A Firm Grip

Comoros held its first round of parliamentary elections Sunday amid opposition boycotts and allegations of growing authoritarianism under President Azali Assoumani, raising concerns about transparency and voter participation in the Indian Ocean archipelago, the Associated Press reported.

As voters went to the polls, they were confronted with logistical issues such as a lack of ink or voting booths and some polling stations opened late, Agence France-Presse added.

Regardless, the ruling Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros (CRC) party is expected to dominate the elections after the second round on Feb. 16, with results expected next week, according to election officials.

The CRC secured 20 of 24 contested seats in the 2020 election, which opposition parties labeled a “masquerade” for not being free and fair, and boycotted the poll.

Sunday’s vote faced similar criticism, with opposition groups accusing Assoumani of consolidating power and undermining democratic norms.

Assoumani, 66, called for a “constructive opposition” while dismissing concerns over the vote’s credibility.

He first came to power in a coup in 1999 and has ruled for much of the past two decades. Now his son, Nour, is serving as a de facto prime minister, AFP said.

Comoros, home to 870,000 people, has experienced repeated political instability and military coups since gaining independence from France in 1975.