Comoros: Violence reported during July 30 referendum /update 1

Event

Vote tallying is ongoing as of the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 31, after Comoros held its controversial referendum on presidential term limits on Monday, July 30. According to a statement by Comoran Interior Minister Mohamed Daoud issued late on Monday, voter turnout was 63 percent. Some violence was reported during voting in the capital city of Moroni (Grande Comore island), including a machete attack at a polling station in the Sanfil area in which a security officer reportedly lost a hand. Government sources blamed the JUWA opposition group, but JUWA has issued a statement condemning the attack. Further outbreaks of violence and unrest are possible in the coming days, particularly after the vote's outcome is announced; results are expected to be released later on Tuesday. 

Context

The referendum will decide whether to amend the constitution to allow for two-five year presidential terms rather than the current limit to a single 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 will be held in 2019 instead of 2021. Tensions have been high in the run-up to the referendum, as it is widely regarded as an attempt by President Azali Assoumani to extend his term.

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, avoid all protests and political rallies, and limit movements until results are released.