Voting has commenced in Comoros for its 33-seat parliament, amid allegations of election irregularities following President Azali Assoumani’s re-election. With around 338,000 registered voters, candidates from multiple parties are contesting the election, while some opposition factions are advocating for a boycott. Results are expected by the end of the week.
Voters in Comoros are preparing to vote for the country’s 33-seat parliament, following President Azali Assoumani’s recent re-election, which the opposition claims was marred by significant irregularities. The ruling party officials have refuted these allegations. Polling stations opened on Sunday, with approximately 338,000 registered voters participating.
The last parliamentary election in Comoros took place in January 2020. Nearly 100 candidates have been sanctioned by the Supreme Court to run in the upcoming elections. President Assoumani, who has held power since 1999 following a coup, faces accusations of authoritarianism and concerns that he is grooming his son, Nour El-Fath, as his successor.
Results of the election are anticipated by Friday, as opposition parties adopt varying strategies regarding their participation. Some parties, like Juwa, chose to boycott the elections, while others aim to highlight the regime’s flaws. Overall, the atmosphere surrounding these elections reflects deep political divisions and accusations of ongoing authoritarianism under Assoumani’s rule.
Original Source: www.theadvocate.com.au
