Voters in Comoros choose a leader this weekend

Voters in Comoros will be heading to the polls this weekend to choose a leader but what will influence their choice?

Campaigning for presidential aspirants ends at midnight on Friday, February 19.

So far, it appears there’s not clear distinction in the campaign messages of the candidates.

The campaigns were marred by legal twists, candidates pulling out of the race and personal attacks on adversaries.

“No one prepared his campaign programme. They just tried to outdo the others as great leaders and the worst thing is that Comorians are following them everywhere,” said one voter.

But what criteria will the voters use to choose their leaders?

Most voters in the country say they will make their choice on the day of the ballot.

For the first time, a presidential debate was held in the country and the aspiring leaders who were not used to the set-up said little of the intentions they had for the country.

Twenty candidates will vie for the presidency in the first round of elections slated for February 21.

Among the candidates is Moinaecha Djalali, the only female candidate.

The top three candidates will face off in the second round of the polls to be held on April 18.

The former French colony has witnessed more than 20 attempted coups, four of which were successful, but has enjoyed relative stability in recent years.

The country is also ranked among the world’s poorest.