The Comorian diaspora deprived of the right to vote during the presidential election of January 14 arouses indignation and calls into question the credibility of the vote. With up to 600,000 Comorians living in France, their exclusion from the electoral process raises questions about the country’s democracy and representativeness.
This situation is pointed out by figures from the diaspora, such as Said Larifou, lawyer and former presidential candidate, exiled in France since 2019. According to him, the exclusion of a significant part of the population calls into question the legitimacy of the vote. He also denounces the exclusive control of the electoral process by President Azali Assoumani, affirming that there will be no change in the Comoros as long as he is in power.
Maliza Said Soilihi, a Franco-Comorian lawyer, filed an appeal before the Supreme Court of the Comoros to demand the right to vote for the diaspora, but this was rejected. She deplores the non-respect of fundamental rights and simply asks for respect and guarantee of their rights.
For his part, Houmed Msaidié, Minister of Agriculture and government spokesperson, explains that the Comoros Constitution does not provide for the diaspora to vote in presidential elections. He emphasizes that article 66 of the Constitution allows the representation of the diaspora in the National Assembly, but that the vote of the diaspora is not yet technically and politically necessary. He clarifies that the question is not linked to the political position of the diaspora.
Despite this exclusion, many Comorians from the diaspora go to the archipelago to express their discontent or participate in the vote. This demonstrates their commitment and their attachment to their country of origin.
This situation highlights the need to review electoral laws in order to include the diaspora in the democratic process. The right to vote constitutes an essential means to enable all citizens, wherever they are, to participate in the political life of their country.
In conclusion, the exclusion of the Comorian diaspora from the right to vote during the presidential election raises questions about democracy and the representativeness of the vote. It is essential to guarantee the fundamental rights of all citizens and to review electoral laws to ensure fair and democratic participation of the diaspora in electoral processes.