Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 18th Jan. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk on Wednesday has appealed for restraint after the protests and heightened tensions in Sunday’s presidential elections in the Comoros.
OHCHR in a press release stated that incumbent President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani, was re-elected for a fourth term.
According to media reports, the turnout was only 16 per cent and opposition parties denounced the elections as “fraudulent”.
UN human Rights chief Volker Türk in a statement released by his office called on the authorities to ensure the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
He urged demonstrators not to resort to violence, after reports of pillaged in capital Moroni on Tuesday and incidents of arson against several public buildings in the islands of Moheli and Anjouan on election day.
“As post-electoral tensions mount, it is paramount that the authorities ensure a safe environment, where all Comorians, including members of the political opposition, can freely express their views and exercise their right to peaceful assembly,” he said.
According to OHCHR, Sunday’s polls took place following weeks of curtailed civic and democratic space, with reports of arbitrary detention and allegations of enforced disappearance of detainees.
A de facto ban on peaceful demonstrations and public political gatherings has been in place since 2019.
Mr. Turk urged the Government to steer the country towards democracy.
“A new chapter should begin for all the Comorians; one that is based on pluralism, freedom of expression, justice and accountability,” he said.
“Otherwise, democracy will never be fulfilled.”
