
Comoros voted on Sunday to elect lawmakers, but many opposition groups boycotted the election, citing transparency issues. The Indian Ocean nation’s polls were overshadowed by allegations of irregularities, as some voters expressed frustration over the lack of official preparations.
Nour El Fath Azali, the eldest son of President Azali Assoumani, is running for a seat just outside the capital, Moroni. Azali, who became secretary-general in 2024, is viewed by critics as a figure with unprecedented powers, resembling that of a prime minister.
Voting began late at several booths after materials were delayed, with some opening well past the official 7:00 am start time. Polls, originally scheduled to close at 4:00 pm, extended by two hours due to these delays and bad weather.
U.S. observer James Burns noted improvised booths, with one set up around a table and another consisting of a simple box on a chair. This setup raised concerns over voter privacy and election integrity.
President Azali, who recently secured a controversial re-election, praised the lack of violence during the campaign despite heavy rainfall. “Thank God, since the beginning of the campaign there has not been any trouble,” he remarked after casting his vote.
Around 340,000 registered voters are expected to elect 33 deputies to Comoros’s one-chamber parliament. A second round of voting is scheduled for February 16, although the ruling Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) party is anticipated to maintain dominance in the legislature.