Politics of the Comoros

The politics of the Union of the Comoros take place in a framework of a federal presidential republic, whereby the President of the Comoros is both head of state and head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament.

The precolonial legacies of the sultanates still influence the country's political culture. However, the political situation in Comoros has been very unstable since the country gained independence in 1975. The country has faced many changes in leadership, often through coups and political uprisings.

The first multi-party elections in Comoros were the 1990 presidential election and 1992 parliamentary election. At one point, Comoros and Mauritania were seen as the only true “electoral democracies” in the Arab world, according to a US-based group called Freedom House. However, since then, Comoros has had some problems with democracy, and elections are not always considered fair any more.

Precolonial and colonial political structures

Before the Comoros became a colony, each island had its own sultan who ruled with the help of elders and ministers. These leaders made decisions together, and people were included in government based on their age and family ties.

When the French took control, they tried to rule using the old sultan systems but often misunderstood them. Their rules did not fit the local customs, and many people did not feel connected to the central government. This made it hard for the French to control the islands effectively, and their methods often ignored the real needs and traditions of the Comoran people.

Post-independence

Main article: State of the Comoros

When the Comoros became independent, there were five main political parties. Over time, these parties changed and merged. In 1970, Prince Said Ibrahim took power but was later voted out in favor of Ahmed Abdallah, who declared independence for all islands except Mayotte, which stayed under French control.

After many changes in leadership and some coups, Colonel Azali Assoumani took power in 1999. He later won elections in 2002 and again in 2016 and 2019. In 2018, a vote approved changing the rules so that the president could serve two terms instead of one. In 2024, Azali Assoumani was re-elected as president. The Comoros has had five different constitutions since it became independent.

First Constitution: Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, 1978-1989

The first constitution of the Comoros, used from 1978 to 1989, aimed to bring unity and help the economy grow. Each island was treated like its own small area with its own leaders and councils to handle local matters.

This constitution had problems, like unfair sharing of resources between the islands and the central government. It also made it hard for the islands to manage themselves. Changes in 1983, 1984, and 1989 removed the role of Prime Minister.

Second Constitution: Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros, 1992 - 1999

This constitution helped organize the government of the Comoros. It let people and political groups give their ideas. Leaders of each island were chosen by voters for five years, and they managed the island's money.

The central government handled the army and important country rules. It could be removed if the Federal Assembly, made up of elected members, voted against it. The constitution also created a Senate where each island had the same number of members, also elected by voters. This Senate could question decisions made by the main government group. There was a special council to watch over elections and make sure rules were followed. Another group helped support the role of Islam in the country. The courts were separate from the other parts of the government, making sure justice was fair and independent.

Third Constitution: The Union of the Comoros, 2001

In 2001, the Comoros changed its government rules with a new constitution. The President of the Union is chosen for five-year terms and also picks a Prime Minister to help run the country. However, President Azali chose not to pick a Prime Minister, so he was both the leader of the country and the government. The group that helps the president, called the council of ministers, is chosen by the president. Each island in the Comoros also has its own leader.

The old Senate was replaced with a new group called the Assembly of the Union. This group has 30 members who serve for five years. A highest court, called the supreme court, was also created. Its members are chosen by the president, the Assembly of the Union, and the leaders of each island.

Fourth Constitution

The government worked on a new constitution, bringing together different groups to agree on changes. This new constitution started in 2002 and included special rules so that the presidency would rotate among the three islands every four years. Each island also gained more control over its own affairs.

Elections were held to choose leaders under this new system. In 2006, Ahmed Abdallah Sambi became the president after winning the election. Later, a vote in 2009 decided to simplify the government structure, which was approved by most people who voted.

Autonomous islands

The constitution allows Anjouan, Grande Comore, and Mohéli to manage most of their own local matters with their own leaders. However, certain important areas like banking, foreign affairs, and national security are handled by the Union of the Comoros. Comoros views Mayotte, which is currently an overseas department and region of France, as part of its territory with special self-governance rights.

As of 2011, these three islands are divided into 16 areas, 54 towns, and 318 smaller communities.

Executive branch

The President leads the government in the Union of the Comoros, and this role moves among the islands. In 2002, the country stopped having a Prime Minister. From 2002 to 2019, there was also a Vice-President.

Prime Minister Vice-President of the Comoros

Legislative branch

The Assembly of the Union has 33 seats. Twenty-four of these seats are filled by people who are elected in different areas, and nine seats are taken by representatives from the regional assemblies.

Judicial branch

The Supreme Court, also called Cour Supreme, is made up of several judges. Some are chosen by the president, some are picked by the Federal Assembly, and others are selected by leaders from each island, including past presidents of the country.

Political parties and elections

For other political parties, see List of political parties in the Comoros. An overview on elections and election results is included in Elections in the Comoros.

International organization participation

The Comoros is a member state of many important international organizations. Some of these groups help with development, health, and trade, while others focus on culture, finance, and safety.

The Comoros works with groups like the African Development Bank, African Union, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Monetary Fund, United Nations, and the World Health Organization, among others. These partnerships help the country connect with the rest of the world and address many shared challenges.