The Comoros opposition on Saturday demanded the “re-establishment of democratic institutions” in protest at a planned July referendum on constitutional reform, which could allow President Azali Assoumani to seek re-election.
Assoumani only took office in 2016 but wants to hold a fresh vote next year, two years early, so that he can remain in power beyond 2021 when his currently non-renewable term would otherwise end.
The referendum, scheduled for July 29, could change the current system — which sees power rotate every five years between the archipelago’s three main islands — and allow Azali to run for two fresh five year-terms.
Friday saw demonstrations in several towns in the volcanic Indian Ocean archipelago off Africa’s east coast against the proposed poll, one of a number of controversial Azali initiatives.
He has suspended the constitutional court and also placed under house arrest opposition leader and predecessor Ahmed Abdallah Sambi, a leading critic who has urged protests against the vote.
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Source: Seychelles News Agency
