The Comoros will hold parliamentary elections on January 12, but opposition parties are boycotting the vote. Critics accuse President Azali Assoumani of rigging past elections and favoring his interests. Assoumani, in power since 1999, faces allegations of authoritarianism and plans for his son’s succession.

Comoros is set to conduct parliamentary elections on January 12, according to a decree released on Saturday. However, opposition parties have announced a boycott of the elections. The archipelago, which has a population of approximately 800,000, last held parliamentary elections in January 2020.

In January, President Azali Assoumani was re-elected for another five-year term, although the opposition disputed the results, citing allegations of ballot stuffing and premature closing of polling stations. The government refuted these claims, asserting the election proceeded fairly.

Salim Issa Abdillah, the leader of the opposition JUWA party, expressed, “We are not ready to take part in legislative elections until we know what is going to happen.” He further stated, “We will boycott (the elections) … we do not trust Azali Assoumani.” The opposition party Orange also announced its decision to boycott, criticizing Assoumani for re-appointing Idrissa Said as the head of the electoral body, whom they claim favors the ruling party.

Critics of Assoumani accuse him of authoritarianism and speculate that he is grooming his eldest son, Nour El-fath, to succeed him in 2029. Assoumani has held power in Comoros since 1999, first coming into office through a coup before winning three subsequent elections.

In summary, Comoros is preparing for parliamentary elections amidst significant opposition dissent. The two main opposition parties have decided to boycott the elections, citing a lack of trust in the current administration. Accusations against President Assoumani persist, as he continues to face scrutiny regarding his governance and potential succession plans for his son. These developments will likely shape the political landscape in Comoros moving forward.

Original Source: www.marketscreener.com

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