The presidential election in Comoros in 2024 has sparked strong tensions and accusations of fraud between outgoing President Azali Assoumani and the opposition. Despite calls from several opposition figures to boycott the vote, five candidates ran against President Assoumani, who said he was confident of his victory.
However, opposition candidates denounced fraud and manipulation of ballot boxes in several localities from the start of the vote. Mouigni Baraka Said Soilihi, one of the opposition candidates, affirmed during a press conference that these elections were tainted by electoral fraud, with the complicity of the army, similar to the situation in 2019.
Despite these accusations, President Assoumani dismissed reports of irregularities when polling stations opened, saying he had not heard of them. He also explained the low participation by the bad weather conditions.
The counting of votes began in the evening, after the closing of the polling stations, often by candlelight, in certain places, and under heavy police surveillance. The opposition, however, questioned the integrity of the counting process, denouncing a dangerous game that could lead to heightened tensions.
Full results from this election are expected to be released later this week. In the meantime, Comorians are witnessing a climate of tension and uncertainty regarding the political future of their country.
Indeed, Azali Assoumani has been in power since 2016, having extended his mandate through a controversial constitutional referendum in 2018, which removed presidential term limits. His predecessor, Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2022 for high treason.
Suspicions of electoral fraud were fueled by the late publication of electoral lists, leaving many citizens uncertain about where to vote. The opposition also criticized the allegedly partisan appointment of polling station staff in favor of the ruling party.
Despite these obstacles, nearly 340,000 people were eligible to vote in this predominantly Muslim country, which gained independence from France in 1975. Comoros faces many socio-economic challenges, with 45% of the population living in below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
While the results of Comoros’ 2024 presidential election are still awaited, Comorians continue to face uncertainty over the future direction of their country. The stakes are high and the decisions to come will have a significant impact on the people and political future of Comoros.