Democracy News

The Outgoing Vice-President of the Comoros Elected President in Recent Vote
January 19, 2011
By: Carlos Aramayo | Printer Friendly

Following outgoing President Ahmed Abdallah Mohamed Sambi’s failed attempt to prolong his stay in office. The historically volatile Union of the Comoros held its presidential elections in December 2010. According to figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission of the Comoros, the elections’ winner was the current Vice President Ikililou Dhoinine who took 61 percent of the vote while the opposition candidate Mohamed Said Fazul garnered 33 percent.

However, according to the Voice of America, Said Fazul and international observers have alleged that electoral fraud occurred due to several irregularities. Before any rallies or demonstrations could take place, the government quickly ordered the immediate ban of any such gatherings. Meanwhile, in an effort to pressure the government candidates Fazul and M. Abdouliohabi had filed a formal complaint before the Constitutional Court in Moroni against the CENI President, Madi Laguer. They accused Laguer of “arbitrarily changing the voting officers and pursuing other actions favorable to the incumbent candidate.” The alleged action violates article 81 of the electoral code which states that members of the voting bureau are assigned 5 days before the polling/elections and that the composition/identities of these members be communicated to the appropriate authorities 72 hours before the polls/elections start.

The ban on public demonstrations was upheld until January 13, 2011 when the Constitutional Court officially announced that Ikililou Dhoinine was the legitimate President-elect. At this time Said Fazul conceded victory and formally congratulated Dhoinine during a phone call

Despite challenging circumstances Comoros has made economic progress due in part to economic and political reforms taken recently. In fact the IMF Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative announced last June that the country would start receiving debt relief aid. In a country were stability is proving hard to achieve, the prospects for the Comorian economy and the economic well-being of its people have much to gain from the IMF’s initiative.

Sources:
IMF- Statement at the Conclusion of an IMF Mission to Comoros

BBC News- Comoros islanders elect Ikililou Dhoinine as president

Voice of America - Comoros Ruling Party Wins Presidential Vote

CIA World FactBook - Comoros

Al-watwan - Elections : le président de la Ceni attaqué en justice