Politics of the Comoros

The politics of the Union of the Comoros work as a federal presidential republic. The President of the Comoros is both the head of state and head of government. The country has a multi-party system. Executive power is used by the government. Legislative power belongs to both the government and parliament.

The old sultanates still affect the country's political ways. But Comoros has had a shaky political life since it became independent in 1975. The country has seen many leaders change, sometimes because of coups and political fights.

The first multi-party elections were the 1990 presidential election and 1992 parliamentary election. For a time, Comoros and Mauritania were seen as the only true “electoral democracies” in the Arab world, according to a US-based group called Freedom House. But later, Comoros faced some problems with democracy, and elections are not always seen as fair now.

Precolonial and colonial political structures

Before the Comoros became a colony, each island had its own sultan. The sultan ruled with the help of elders and ministers. These leaders made decisions together. People could join the government based on their age and family ties.

When the French took control, they tried to use the old sultan systems. But they often did not understand these systems well. Their rules did not match the local customs. Many people did not feel connected to the central government. This made it hard for the French to control the islands. 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, it had five main political parties. Over time, these parties changed and joined together. In 1970, Prince Said Ibrahim became leader but was later voted out. Ahmed Abdallah then took over and declared independence for all islands except Mayotte, which stayed under French control.

After some changes in leadership and a few coups, Colonel Azali Assoumani became leader in 1999. He won elections in 2002, 2016, and 2019. In 2018, people voted to change the rules so the president could serve two terms instead of one. In 2024, Azali Assoumani was elected president again. 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 was used from 1978 to 1989. It tried to bring unity and help the economy grow. Each island had its own small area with local leaders and councils to handle its own matters.

This constitution had problems. Resources were shared unfairly 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 groups share 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, Comoros made new rules with a new constitution. The President of the Union is chosen for five years and also picks a Prime Minister to help run the country. But President Azali did not 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 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 created a new constitution in 2002. This constitution included rules for the presidency to rotate among the three islands every four years. Each island also got 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, in 2009, a vote decided to simplify the government structure, and most people who voted approved it.

Autonomous islands

The constitution lets Anjouan, Grande Comore, and Mohéli handle many of their own local issues with their own leaders. But some important areas like banking, foreign affairs, and national security are taken care of by the Union of the Comoros. Comoros thinks Mayotte, which is now an overseas department and region of France, should be part of its country with some special self-governance rights.

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

Executive branch

The President leads the government in the Union of the Comoros. The role of President 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 seats are chosen by voters in different areas, and nine seats are for representatives from the regional assemblies.

Judicial branch

The Supreme Court, also called Cour Supreme, has many judges. Some judges are chosen by the president. Others are picked by the Federal Assembly. And some 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. Information about elections and results can be found in Elections in the Comoros.

International organization participation

The Comoros is a member state of many important international organizations. These groups help with development, health, and trade.

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. These partnerships help the country connect with other nations.