Comoros: Constitutional referendum scheduled July 30

Event

President Azali Assoumani announced that the country’s upcoming constitutional referendum on presidential term limits will be held July 30. The referendum will decide whether to amend the constitution from the current single five-year term to two five-year terms. It will also do away with the current system where the position rotates every five years between the archipelago’s islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Moheli. If the referendum passes, the next presidential election will be held in 2019 instead of 2021. This move is widely regarded as an attempt by Assoumani to extend his term, which has angered his opponents. Political demonstrations and clashes between opposition protesters and security forces are possible in advance of the upcoming constitutional referendum.

Context

The current presidential term system was designed to promote stability and power-sharing in the coup-prone country. There have been more than 20 coups or coup attempts since the country declared independence from France in 1975.

Advice

Individuals in Comoros are advised to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate and avoid all protests and political rallies as a precaution.