The Indian Ocean archipelago nation of Comoros will vote in an election on Sunday (14 January) that is widely expected to deliver a fourth term to incumbent President Azali Assoumani, a former military officer, whose opponents accuse him of stifling dissent. In 2019, the 65-year-old Assoumani was re-elected president after constitutional reforms that extended presidential terms from one five-year term to two and also eradicated the need for a rotational presidency among the islands. This effectively provided Assoumani with the opportunity to seek another term and potentially extend his rule until 2029. The predominantly Muslim Indian Ocean archipelago nation has faced decades of political upheaval, witnessing approximately two dozens attempted or successful coups since breaking away from French rule in 1975. Assoumani will face five competitors, while other opposition leaders have called for a boycott, accusing the electoral commission of favoring the ruling party.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 12, 2024 12:11 UTC