Comoros’ Supreme Court has given the green light for incumbent President Azali Assoumani to seek another term, setting the stage for a contentious election on January 14.
Some opposing factions are considering a boycott unless conditions such as the release of political prisoners, electoral transparency, and the independence of the electoral body are met.
The 800,000-strong Indian Ocean archipelago last held elections in 2019, resulting in Assoumani’s controversial victory amidst allegations of irregularities and opposition protests.
This upcoming poll will see Assoumani facing nine contenders, including a former interior minister and Salim Issa, a medical doctor representing the party of ex-president Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2022.
Assoumani, a former army officer who initially came to power in a 1999 coup, has won three elections since then. Opposition leaders emphasize the need for transparency, the unconditional release of political prisoners, and electoral reforms to ensure a fair and independent process.
