14/01/2025
Comoros Parliamentary Elections: EASF Observers Issue Preliminary Report. ๐ฐ๐ฒ
On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) Election Observers Mission (EOM) released its preliminary report from the recently held parliamentary elections during a press conference in the capital, Moroni.
The briefing, attended by a wide media presence, featured Honorable Vincent Frerrio Bamulangaki, Head of the EASF-EOM, who shared the missionโs observations and answered questions from the press.
The EASF-EOM conducted its observation under the framework of the African Union (AU) and other international standards for democratic elections. The mission aimed to enhance public confidence, promote fundamental freedoms, and assess the overall electoral process in the Union of Comoros.
The observers covered 148 polling stations across Ngazidja, Ndzuwani, and Mwali, which represent approximately 17% of the total stations. Several challenges were noted, including delays in voting, errors in ballot distribution, and incidents of irregularities such as ballot stuffing and interference by political candidates. In some cases, polling stations closed earlier than the scheduled time, and improper proxy voting was reported.
The mission also observed the presence of campaign materials in proximity to polling stations and some instances of voters being turned away due to missing identification or registration issues. Notably, 223 women were counted among the electoral staff in the observed stations.
Despite these concerns, the EASF-EOM concluded that the elections proceeded in an orderly, calm, and peaceful manner, with respect for the rule of law. The missionโs recommendations focus on improving future elections. These include enhancing the ballot paper validation process, improving logistical coordination, ensuring secrecy of the vote, and streamlining the proxy voting system.
Further, the EASF called on the Independent National Election Commission (CENI) to improve communication regarding procedural changes, suggested legislative reviews to promote equity, and encouraged political parties and civil society to support democratic processes through open dialogue and civic education.
The EASF reiterated the importance of maintaining an inclusive electoral environment to uphold democratic values and national cohesion.
Moroni, Comoros,
Monday, January 13, 2025.