In an archipelago as beautiful as the Comoros, the excitement is palpable this January. The electoral campaign ended on Friday January 12, giving way to the feverish anticipation of the double vote on Sunday. Comorians are called to the polls to elect the future governors of the three islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan and Moheli, but above all to choose their next president.
Over the past four weeks, the six candidates have traveled the archipelago, accompanied by representatives of their respective parties. However, these “gubernatorial” elections were largely overshadowed by the stakes of the presidential election. The outgoing president, Azali Assoumani, in power since 2016, amended the Constitution to be able to run again and campaigned using state resources, according to electoral observers.
Despite these advantages, opposition candidates were able to hold their meetings freely. All are calling for alternation, but their speeches were marked by accusations of “electoral hold-up in preparation”. They denounced the non-organization of the diaspora vote, the dismissal of the president of the section of the Supreme Court in charge of elections and criticized an independent National Electoral Commission which they consider to be in favor of the outgoing president.
Some opposition leaders even called for a boycott of the elections, considering that it would be a sham. This tension marked the electoral campaign, highlighting fears and divisions within the country.
Despite these challenges, the organization of the election is closely monitored by the Election Observatory, a Comorian civil society organization. Its president, Mouhssine Nassur Cheikh, highlights some positive points, but is concerned about still not having received the necessary accreditations for the voting day. It also highlights the use of state resources by certain ministers and directors of public institutions in favor of the presidential camp.
The stakes in this election are high for the Comorians. They hope that their voice will be heard and that the future of their country will be in good hands. The moment of truth is approaching and this Sunday’s elections will make it possible to know the choice of the Comorian people.