Comoros Parliamentary Election Marked by Opposition Boycott and Concerns Over Integrity
Comoros held a parliamentary election boycotted by some opposition leaders citing authoritarianism and concerns over electoral integrity. The ruling party, led by President Azali Assoumani, faced accusations of political repression following earlier disputed elections. Approximately 330,000 voters were registered, but low turnout is anticipated due to widespread disaffection with the electoral process. Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi was reported to affect voting, yet it proceeded as scheduled.
Comoros has conducted a parliamentary election that has been boycotted by several opposition leaders who allege authoritarian practices by President Azali Assoumani and his party. Concerns have been raised regarding the election’s integrity, with claims of disaffection towards the democratic process leading to expected low voter turnout among the approximately 330,000 registered voters out of a population of 850,000. The results will determine the 33 seats in the legislature, with announcements anticipated next week from the national electoral commission.
In the previous 2020 parliamentary election, Assoumani’s party won 20 out of 24 contested seats, while opposition parties referred to that election as a “masquerade,” arguing it lacked fairness. The Juwa Party, led by former President Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, has once again opted to boycott the current election, echoing its earlier decision during the previous parliamentary elections. Assoumani, who previously seized power through a military coup in 1999 and has been president since securing a return in 2016, has seen his tenure marked by criticism of increasing political repression.
Despite the threat posed by Tropical Cyclone Dikeledi, officials confirmed that the election would proceed as planned. It is noteworthy that Assoumani has extended his presidency uninterrupted since the constitutional changes made in 2018, undermining prior agreements intended to rotate the presidency among the islands of Comoros. Reports from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies indicate that Assoumani’s presidency has steadily been characterized by political oppression and non-competitive electoral conditions.
The parliamentary election in Comoros, attended by President Azali Assoumani, was marred by a boycott from opposition leaders who questioned the integrity of the electoral process. Concerns over authoritarianism and political repression have dominated the political landscape, with expectations of low voter turnout. The electoral environment continues to reflect a significant discontent with democratic practices, showcasing ongoing challenges in the archipelago’s governance.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
