Comoros: Arson attack against Electoral Commission headquarters June 7

Event

On Thursday, June 7, the Electoral Commission building in Moroni was set on fire. The incident occurred ahead of a controversial constitutional referendum on presidential term limits scheduled to take place on July 30. Material damage was reported but it remains unclear if electoral materials, such as voter lists, were affected. Official sources stated that the incident is likely criminal in nature and that it will not undermine the organization of the referendum.

Context

The referendum will decide whether to amend the constitution to allow the president to run for a second five-year term. 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 would be held in 2019 instead of 2021. This move is widely regarded as an attempt by President Azali Assoumani to extend his term, which has angered his opponents.

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 any protests and political rallies as a precaution.