Comoros: Relative calm reigns during presidential poll run-off

Voters in the Comoros Island went to the polls on Sunday to vote a new president in a key run-off.

Voting took place in a relatively calm environment and the local press reported that some activists perturbing public peace during the election had been arrested.

Polls opened shortly after 4:00 Hours GMT with a discreet police presence.

A slight delay was withnessed at Moroni due to the absence of assessors.

Close to 300,000 voters went to the polls to choose between Mohamed Ali Soilihi, former Head of state, Azali Assoumani and Mougni Baraka in a higher turnout compared to the 159,000 who voted during the first round.

Two-way showdown in Comoros presidential election https://t.co/SzOTM1ewxW pic.twitter.com/810xeaYKLv

— Luthien (@Tinuvi3l) April 11, 2016

The candidates, who are all from Grande Comore, were the top three in the first round of elections held in February.

This is in line with a constitutional provision which stipulates the rotation of the presidency between the three main islands.

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

Analysts find it difficult to predict who will win the election despite last minute alliances. The results of the election are expected to be out by Wednesday.

With a population of less than one million, the Comoros Island has had more than 20 attempts to seize power since the country gained independence from France in the 1970s.