Presidential elections held in the Union of Comoros on 21 February 2016, with a second round, which was held on 10 April 2016. The electoral system for contesting the presidency is a unique system and is rotated between the country’s three man islands; Anjouan, Grande Comore and Moheli.

This electoral system was established in 2001 after more than 20 coups or attempted coups, four of which were successful, but the Island has enjoyed political stability in recent years.

In 2006, the elections were exclusive to the candidates from Anjouan, and the 2010 elections to Mohelian candidates. Consequently, the 2016 Presidential elections is limited to candidates from Grand Comore.

The first round of the elections is restricted to voters from Grand Comore Island, when the elections progresses to the second round, all three islands vote.

After the first round, the top three candidates go to the second round to determine the next President. Mohamed Ali Soilihi won the first round of the elections with 17.88% of the votes, followed by Mouigni Baraka Said Soilihi with 15.62% and Colonel Azali Assoumani following closely with 15.10% of the votes. These three candidates progressed to the run-off elections. The Union of Comoros has a small population of citizens with 780,971, and only 301,060 of the population registered to vote in the elections.

*Soilihi’s photo: AFP