While the Supreme Court of the Comoros confirmed on Wednesday January 24 the re-election in the first round of President Azali Assoumani, the opposition continues to “ reject altogether » the results and places its hopes in the reaction of the international community, with however slim chances of an appeal being successful. Comorian justice has judged the denunciations and appeals “ inadmissible », leaving no avenue of appeal.
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The five opposition candidates, who denounce massive fraud and demand the cancellation of the vote, wrote to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat on January 18. They still demand the cancellation of the vote and holding new elections for governors and president. They hope that a special envoy will be sent to the Comoros and that the continental organization will help to get out of the ” crisis “.
But the African Union has so far not responded to them. Azali Assoumani is still the current president of the institution until next month, and his observation mission judged the electoral process overall ” free ” And ” transparent “.
Hopes quickly dashed
The opposition candidates also rely on the international partners of the Comoros, and particularly cite the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and France. They believe that these partners should not recognize results deemed fraudulent and undemocratic. No official press release has yet seen the light of day, but these expectations risk being quickly dashed: “ It is not possible », Says a fine connoisseur of diplomatic relations in the area.
According to this source, the Comoros’ international partners could recognize dysfunctions and tensions, as well as call for improvements for the next elections… but without going further into criticism. Reasons given: the need to continue relations with the Comorian authorities and to avoid any interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country.
“ The resistance is organized », warns the opposition
But the five opposition candidates are not only counting on external support. As of Wednesday evening, after the proclamation of the final results, they called on Comorian voters to “ mobilize “.
After two days of violent riots last week, a tense calm has been restored throughout the country. The police made numerous arrests. No official figures have been communicated, but, according to the opposition, some 200 young protesters are currently detained as well as several opposition political leaders. “ The resistance is organized », Promises one of the five opposition candidates again this Thursday.
The government, for its part, called on opponents on Wednesday evening to stop their accusations and to agree to dialogue with re-elected President Azali Assoumani.