The Comoros are called to elect their governors and above all their president starting from 7:00 local time (4:00 UT). Azali Assoumani, in power since 2016, is seeking a new mandate. In front of him, five opposition candidates.
Published on: 01/14/2024 – 04:42
2 minutes
With our special correspondent, David Bache et our correspondent, Abdallah Mzembaba
The outgoing president Azali Assoumani intends to continue its “Plan Comoros emerging”, his opponents claim to achieve what has not been done in eight years, or at least to get there. And everyone believes they can work best for the development of the archipelago, where almost half of the 836,000 inhabitants live below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
Because in the markets or in the universities, Comorians unanimously complain about the high cost of living and the problems of access to electricity or water. Other recurring requests from Comorians: healthcare – who can go abroad for treatment – or the strengthening of education and professional training for young people.
Last issue of the elections: its credibility and transparency, while the opponents continued to denounce” maneuvers » aimed at ensuring the re-election of Azali Assoumani. Which is why a fringe of the opposition is calling not to go to the polls this Sunday.
Accusations rejected by the interested party, who recalls the existence of legal remedies.
Supporters of the outgoing president believe in a knockout, in re-election in the first round. Elected in 2016 and then in 2019 after a constitutional change in 2018 to be able to represent himself, Azali Assoumani has the support of the Alliance for the Presidential Movement. Assoumani’s supporters aspire to his victory to carry forward the projects underway in the country.
His opponents hope that alternation is possible. Among these, Salim Issa Abdillah, who enjoys strong support, that of former president Ahmed Abdallah Sambi. This qualified doctor promises to restore, once elected, power on the island of Anjouan in the framework of the rotating presidency of the Union of Comoros.
Bourhane Hamidou made this promise one of the themes of his campaign. This former president of the National Assembly leads a movement called Woneha and favors a consensual approach.
Other candidates hoping to do well include former Foreign Minister Aboudou Soefo, former Greater Comoros governor Mouigni Baraka Saïd Soilihi, a third-time candidate, and former Interior Minister Daoudou Abdallah Mohamed. The former mayor of the capital has been in opposition for three years.
Read alsoPresidential elections in Comoros: the accreditation of observers and opposition representatives remains a problem
2024-01-14 03:42:25
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