ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, December 7, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
The African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) and the International Organization of La Francophonie are closely monitoring the situation in the Union of the Comoros. The four partner organizations underline the importance of the gubernatorial and presidential elections planned in February and April 2016, as a critical step in the consolidation of the significant progress made by the Comoros over the past decade, after a protracted political crisis. They note, in this respect, that the registration of candidates for these polls will commence today, 6 December 2015.
The four organizations, as part of their partnership in the area of peace and security and joint support for peace-building in the Comoros, call on all the Comorian stakeholders to take advantage of the forthcoming elections to ensure that the progress made in their country is not reversed. In particular, they urge for the scrupulous respect of the spirit and relevant provisions of the Comorian Constitution, especially the principle of the rotating presidency of the Union of the Comoros. Adherence to this principle has been a cornerstone for the maintenance of stability and the preservation of the gains made in the area of reconciliation. The four organizations appeal to all concerned political stakeholders to refrain from actions that could derail the electoral process and to place the interest of their country above personal and narrow interests.
The four partner organizations welcome the mission undertaken, on 30 November 2015 to the Comoros, by former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, at the request of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, to urge all political stakeholders to work towards the holding of free, fair and transparent elections, in accordance with the Constitution of their country. They express their determination to build on this mission as they endeavor to collectively help the Union of the Comoros and its people to preserve their hard-won gains and the rule of law, as well as to advance the socioeconomic development of their country.
