High political tension referendum in the Comoros - RFI

By RFPosted on 30-07-2018Modified on 30-07-2018 at 03:08

Comorians are expected to vote on Monday for a referendum to change the country's constitution. The text submitted for their approval authorizes the same island to accede to two successive five-year terms under the rotating presidency against a single one at present. The reform also provides for the disappearance of the Constitutional Court and the posts of Vice-President.

" Do you approve the draft revision of the Constitution? This is the question to which the voters of the Comoros archipelago will have to answer in the urns Monday by "yes" or by "no".

The current text is intended to impose stability in the country: it established the rotating presidency after five years, between three islands. Only the voters of the island where the turn back is voted in the first round of the presidential election. With the modifications for direct universal suffrage in two rounds, the island of Mohéli - which has half the number of voters than the Grande Comore - is not very likely to accede to two successive mandates, one of the other modifications. provided.

Moreover, no resolution of the National Assembly containing injunctions against the government is admissible. The representatives of the nation will no longer be able to oppose any decision of the regime.

The Constitutional Court no longer exists in the new formula and its prerogatives are ensured by the Supreme Court, which is why the opposition Union calls for a boycott of this referendum.

Mohamed Ismailla, the spokesman for President Azali has already warned: if the "yes" passes, the head of state will represent in an early election in 2019.

For the opposition, it is rather a blow to democracy. For her, the referendum is simply illegal. Even voting "no" would condone the process.

Some observers are worried about the prevailing climate of tension and recall that the Comoros went through a separatist crisis until the Fomboni agreements and the introduction in 2001 of a new Constitution. The one that the power wants to revise today.

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