Djibouti: Legislative elections to take place Feb. 24

Event

Legislative elections are scheduled to take place in Djibouti Feb. 24 to elect 65 members of parliament. The incumbent Union for Presidential Majority (UPM), is expected to win the elections as the main opposition parties have withdrawn from the elections, alleging that they are rigged and would not be free and fair.

While protests, including incidents of violence, have occurred during some elections in previous years, the opposition is largely marginalized and fragmented, with its ability to operate and organize being severely constrained. Nevertheless, security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor all demonstrations or rallies that may occur on election day and in the days that follow. Localized traffic disruptions are likely near rally locations. Authorities could move quickly to disperse any gatherings they deem to be overly disruptive - particularly those organized by opposition parties.

Advice

If operating in Djibouti, exercise increased personal vigilance. Avoid all demonstrations and associated gatherings due to the possibility of violence. Keep away from areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. If clashes break out nearby, take shelter in a safe nongovernmental building. Heed all instructions from security personnel and allow extra time to reach destinations near rally locations.