Comoros’ Ruling Party Secures 28 Out of 33 Parliamentary Seats
The ruling party in Comoros, Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros, won 28 out of 33 parliamentary seats in the recent elections. The opposition largely boycotted the election, accusing the ruling party of electoral fraud. President Assoumani has maintained power amidst a backdrop of military coups and constitutional changes that allow him to bypass term limits.
In the recent parliamentary elections held in Comoros, the ruling Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) party, led by President Azali Assoumani, has secured an overwhelming victory, winning 28 out of the 33 available seats in Parliament. This outcome ensures that the CRC maintains its majority in the nation’s legislature. The official results were disseminated by the electoral commission but remain subject to confirmation by the Supreme Court. Despite the evident success, this election was marred by controversy, as several opposition parties chose to boycott the proceedings, alleging previous electoral fraud attributed to the ruling party. The Comoros archipelago, comprising three islands situated off the east coast of Africa near Madagascar, has a tumultuous political history marked by military coups since attaining independence from France in 1975. President Assoumani, a former military officer, originally rose to power in 1999 by executing a coup that ousted the sitting president. After serving one term and relinquishing the presidency in 2006, he returned to power in 2016 and has since facilitated three consecutive election victories. Notably, amendments to the constitution in 2018 permitted him to circumvent term limits and alter a prior political arrangement that mandated a rotational presidency among the islands.
The Comoros archipelago is known for its complex political landscape that has seen numerous military coups and political upheaval since it gained independence from France in 1975. President Azali Assoumani, who has a military background, first came to power through a coup in 1999. Following a brief hiatus from office, he returned to the presidency and has maintained power through successive electoral victories. Recent changes to the constitution have further consolidated his rule, undermining previous agreements that aimed to distribute presidential power among the islands. These dynamics set a challenging backdrop for the recent elections, highlighting ongoing tensions between the ruling party and its opposition.
The recent elections in Comoros have reinforced the dominance of President Azali Assoumani and his party, the CRC, which captured 28 out of 33 parliamentary seats. This result not only affirms their majority but also underlines the complexities of the nation’s political atmosphere, characterized by opposition boycotts and accusations of electoral misconduct. With Assoumani’s history of military coups and constitutional amendments that facilitate his prolonged leadership, the future political trajectory of Comoros remains uncertain and contentious.
Original Source: www.seattletimes.com
