On January 14, citizens of Comoros will exercise their right to vote to elect their next president, who will lead the country for the next five years. Six candidates are competing in this crucial election, including the current president, Azali Assoumani. However, the electoral campaign, which began on December 17, 2022, is struggling to gain momentum.
On the opposition front, the focus is on returning to the constitutional order of 2001, which envisioned rotating presidency every four years among the different islands. The restoration of the rule of law is also a crucial point raised by the opposition.
Another common goal among all opposition candidates is the fight against the cost of living and unemployment, particularly among the youth. Concrete proposals are being put forward, such as free emergency healthcare in public hospitals, reduction of customs duties, and measures to address the educational crisis, currently exacerbated by an ongoing strike since November 17, 2023.
As for the incumbent president-candidate, in addition to defending his track record, he announces his intention to continue ongoing projects, especially in the areas of road, maritime, and healthcare infrastructure. Other priorities addressed include renewable energies and broadening the tax base in the economic sector. However, for Azali Assoumani, political stability, national unity, and peace are the key priorities.