Comoros and rotation of its presidency

The Indian Ocean archipelago of the Comoros has held its first round of presidential elections.

Voters took to the polls over the weekend to look for a successor for outgoing president Ikililou Dhoinine.

Three candidates of Grande Comore, Mohamed Ali Soilihi, Mouigni Baraka and Azali Assoumani will face off in the second round of voting in April.

In line with a constitutional provision, the presidency of the union rotates between three islands.

This method was adopted in 2001 after voters backed a new constitution keeping the islands of Grande Comore, Moheli and Anjouan as one country.

With a population of less than one million, Comoros has had more than 20 coups or attempts at seizing power since gaining independence from France in the 70s.

This method of voting is meant to ensure peace and stability in the autonomous islands.