Five opposition candidates in the Comoros are contesting the results of the 2024 presidential election and continue to demand the cancellation of this election which they describe as a “masquerade”. According to them, the figures announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (Céni) are marked by obvious inconsistencies, particularly with regard to the number of voters.
After two days of riots in the capital Moroni, popular mobilization has largely diminished in intensity. However, the five opponents show their determination to continue their fight and to file appeals before the Supreme Court to obtain the annulment of the vote.
Some candidates believe that the Supreme Court is biased and that its objective will be to confirm the victory of Azali Assoumani, the re-elected president. Mouigni Baraka Saïd Soilihi, candidate of the Democratic Rally of the Comoros for Equality, declares that even if the participation rate is contested, this does not call into question the re-election of Azali Assoumani in the first round.
The Alliance of the Presidential Movement, the movement of Azali Assoumani, also announces its intention to file an appeal, arguing that the participation rate is 60% and not 16% as announced by the Ceni. This protest calls into question the results, but not the victory of Azali Assoumani.
Faced with this tense situation, the five opposition candidates wrote a joint letter to the President of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, requesting the sending of a special envoy to resolve the crisis. According to them, the only viable solution is the cancellation of the vote and the organization of new elections.
The political situation in the Comoros therefore remains uncertain, with an opposition determined to contest the results of the presidential election. It remains to be seen what the Supreme Court’s response will be and how the international community will react to this political crisis. To be continued…