Comoros Faces Election Boycotts Amid Allegations of Authoritarianism

Comoros held a contested parliamentary election with opposition boycotts over alleged authoritarianism by President Azali Assoumani. Results are expected next week, with predictions of low voter turnout due to dissatisfaction with the democratic process.

On Sunday, Comoros conducted a parliamentary election that faced a boycott from several opposition groups, primarily led by discontent towards President Azali Assoumani’s increasingly authoritarian governance. The election is pivotal as it will fill 33 legislative seats, with results anticipated next week from the national electoral authority. Despite approximately 330,000 registered voters, opposition parties predict low turnout due to widespread dissatisfaction with the electoral process and claims of prior election fraud.

The Republic of Comoros, located in the Indian Ocean, consists of three islands and has a turbulent political history marked by military coups since its independence from France in 1975. President Azali Assoumani, a former military officer, has remained a dominant figure since first seizing power in 1999. His recent constitutional amendments in 2018 effectively eliminated term limits, fueling allegations of undemocratic practices and growing political repression as noted by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

In summary, the recent parliamentary election in Comoros is overshadowed by opposition boycotts and allegations of electoral malpractice, reflecting a deep-seated distrust in the democratic process amidst growing authoritarianism under President Azali Assoumani. The outcome, anticipated next week, will be critical in shaping the future political landscape of Comoros, especially as the nation endures cyclical instability.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com