Key presidential re-run in Comoros on May 11

The people of Anjouan in the Comoros return to the polls in a partial re-run of the presidential election which will be held in 13 constituencies on May 11.

Over 6000 voters are expected to cast their ballot. Their vote will be crucially decisive, as only 2,000 votes separates the two candidates, Colonel Assoumani and Mohamed Ali Soilihi.

Assoumani took 40.98 percent of the vote, narrowly ahead of Vice President Mohamed Ali Soilihi, the ruling party’s presidential candidate, who garnered some 39.87 percent.

“The authorities have taken measures. Those measures are being backed by the international community. If all goes well, there is no reason that I cannot be the President of 2016,“Azali Assoumani said.

Soilihi’s camp has also been talking tough.

“My state of mind is also one of optimism. I have toured all localities who are concerned with the restoration of hope and I can say that I hope to win on May 11,” Mohamed Ali Soilihi said.

The second round of presidential elections held on April 10 was marked by irregularities and acts of violence.

The president of the AU Commission called on the two candidates and their supporters to avoid a spill over.

#AU Commission Chair DlaminiZuma approves
deployment of #Election Expert Observer Mission to
the 11 May 2016 re-run elections in #Comoros.

— Jacob Enoh Eben (enoheben) May 6, 2016

The winner of the polls becomes president of the Union of Comoros on May 26.