Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Comoros
Comoros is a federal presidential republic where President Azali Assoumani serves as both head of state and government. The country has experienced significant democratic backsliding, with the 2018 constitutional referendum eliminating the rotating presidency and recent elections marked by fraud allegations and opposition boycotts. Recent developments include the controversial expansion of powers granted to the president's son in 2024, raising concerns about democratic governance and potential dynastic succession.
Democracy Index
Below Average
Government Type
Federal Presidential Republic
Legal System
Mixed legal system based on Islamic law, French civil law, and customary law
Head of State
President Azali Assoumani(since 2016)
Head of Government
President Azali Assoumanisince 2016
Political Indicators
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Hybrid Regime
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Ruling party
Voting Rights
All citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote in presidential and legislative elections. The Assembly of the Union has 33 members: 24 elected by absolute majority in single-seat constituencies and 9 representatives elected by the three Island Assemblies.
Recent Developments
- In January 2025, the ruling party won parliamentary elections with 28 out of 33 seats, though opposition parties rejected the results
- In August 2024, President Azali Assoumani granted his son Nour El Fath Azali sweeping powers as secretary general of government, raising concerns about dynastic control and erosion of democratic checks and balances
- In January 2024, President Azali Assoumani was re-elected with 62.97% of votes in a disputed presidential election
- A 2018 constitutional referendum abolished the rotating presidency system that had been in place since 2001, allowing President Assoumani to consolidate power
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