Comoros leader says wins vote to extend presidential term limits

(Reuters) – Comoros President Azali Assoumani has won a referendum to extend presidential term limits and end a system of rotating power among the archipelago’s three main islands by an overwhelming majority, he said late on Wednesday.

The yes vote allows Assoumani to run for two more five year-terms starting with an early election next year, rather than being required to step down when his present term ends in 2021.

He has argued the system of rotating power makes it difficult to set long-term priorities to govern the country.

The opposition has dismissed the July 30 referendum as illegal and accused Assoumani of flouting the constitution. He suspended the constitutional court, and the opposition says a referendum would be illegal until the court is restored.

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