Comoros: Former president kick-starts election campaign

Campaign has started in Comoros ahead of the country’s presidential election to be held February 21.

Former president Azali Assoumani launched the campaign this Sunday in Moroni.

He reminded citizens that electoral fraud has caused untold suffering in many countries across Africa.

“I call on all competent authorities to ensure that transparency reigns during this election. The choice of the next president should not be contested in any way,” former president Asali Assoumani, who ruled Comoros from 2002 to 2006, said.

Supporters turned out massively wearing t-shirts around the Ajao stadium located in the central town.

The top three candidates are expected to face a run-off on the April 18.

Twenty five candidates have been confirmed by the constitutional court.

Most of the hopefuls come from Grande Comorre which is next in line to hold the post according to a 2001 constitutional provision.

Out of a population of 800,000 people, about 160,000 are eligible to vote.

Comoros gained independence from France in 1975 and has withnessed 20 coup attempts.

The country depends mostly on funds from the diaspora where many migrants live .

Comoros is one of the world’s largest producers of ylang ylang which is used in perfumes.