On Thursday evening, January 16th, 2020, Makuza headed to Comoros with a team of 40 observers from the African Union to assess the conduct in the election process on the basis of national legislation and international election standards.
Although the elections are scheduled on January 19th, a second phase will be scheduled on January 23rd if necessary. Makuza was elected on request of the AU based on the reputation of Rwanda for conducting unbiased elections and avoiding electoral fraud.
Election observers are usually selected among ambassadors of countries in the AU based in Ethiopia, independent parties especially individuals working in humanitarian organizations, parliament members and other officials in the AU.
In a one-on-one interview with IGIHE, Makuza thanked President Kagame for entrusting him with the responsibility and commended his exemplary leadership when he was the chairman of the AU in 2018.
“I am honored for this new assignment and thank President Kagame for trusting me to represent Rwanda once again.”
Among the 40 observers are another Rwandan who will be coming from Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania.
The last legislative elections were held in Comoros on January 25th, 2015, alongside local elections. The Union for the Development of Comoros (UPDC) emerged as the largest party, winning eight of the 24 seats in the Assembly of the Union.
Comoros is led by President Azali Assoumani since 2016.
Parliamentary elections will also take place in Chad, Mali, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Comoros, Egypt, Somalia, Liberia, and Gabon.
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