Assembly of the Union of the Comoros

The Assembly of the Union of the Comoros is the unicameral legislative body of the Union of the Comoros and represents the central institution of law-making within the country’s political system. Established in its current form in 2004, the Assembly reflects the constitutional and institutional transformations undertaken by the Comoros in response to political instability, secessionist pressures, and the need for a more decentralised yet unified state structure. It plays a crucial role in legislative governance, democratic representation, and the oversight of executive authority at the national level.

Background and Constitutional Context

The Union of the Comoros is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the eastern coast of Africa. Since gaining independence from France in 1975, the country has experienced frequent political upheavals, including coups d’état, constitutional changes, and disputes over autonomy among its constituent islands. These challenges strongly influenced the evolution of its legislative institutions.
The Assembly of the Union was formally established in 2004 following constitutional reforms that created a new federal-style political system. This system aimed to balance national unity with a degree of autonomy for the individual islands of Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli. The establishment of the Assembly was part of a broader effort to stabilise governance and strengthen democratic institutions.

Legislative History

The legislative history of the Comoros predates independence and reflects the country’s complex political evolution.

• The Chamber of Deputies was first established in 1961, during the late colonial period, serving as the primary representative body.
• Following independence in July 1975, the legislature was reconstituted as the National Assembly, marking a symbolic and institutional break from colonial governance.
• In subsequent years, the National Assembly was replaced by the Federal Assembly, an institution designed to reflect the federal nature of the state during a period of intense political experimentation.

Before 2004, the Federal Assembly consisted of 33 to 43 members, with its size varying according to constitutional and political arrangements. However, persistent institutional inefficiencies and political instability prompted further reforms.
In 2004, the current designation Assembly of the Union was adopted, signalling the consolidation of legislative authority at the union level within the revised constitutional framework.

Composition and Membership

The Assembly of the Union is a unicameral legislature, meaning it consists of a single chamber. This structure was chosen to streamline legislative processes and avoid duplication of authority in a small island state with limited administrative capacity.
Originally, the Assembly consisted of 33 members, but a significant reform introduced in 2020 reduced its size to 24 members. This change was justified on grounds of efficiency, cost reduction, and improved functionality of the legislature.
Members of the Assembly are elected to represent the population of the Union, with seats allocated according to electoral laws designed to ensure representation across the islands while maintaining national cohesion.

Political Parties and Representation

The political composition of the Assembly reflects the broader party system of the Comoros, which is characterised by a mix of dominant political movements and smaller reform-oriented parties.
In addition to major political groupings, representation has included smaller parties such as the Party for the Reform of Institutions, which has held limited seats within the Assembly. These smaller parties often advocate institutional reform, constitutional change, and improved governance, contributing to parliamentary debate despite their numerical disadvantage.
The presence of independent and minor party representatives highlights the fragmented nature of Comorian politics, where personal leadership, regional interests, and shifting alliances play a significant role alongside formal party structures.

Powers and Functions

The Assembly of the Union exercises the principal legislative authority of the state. Its constitutional functions include:

• Drafting and passing legislation applicable to the Union of the Comoros.
• Amending and interpreting laws, subject to constitutional constraints.
• Oversight of the executive, including questioning government officials and debating public policy.
• Approval of national budgets and financial legislation, which is essential for state administration.
• Ratification of international agreements, where required by law.

Through these functions, the Assembly serves as a central mechanism for democratic accountability and the articulation of national policy priorities.

Internal Organisation and Parliamentary Procedure

The Assembly operates according to established parliamentary rules that regulate debate, voting procedures, and committee work. Members participate in plenary sessions as well as specialised committees that examine legislation in greater detail before it is presented to the full Assembly.
Committees typically focus on key areas such as finance, legal affairs, social policy, and institutional reform. This committee system allows for more detailed scrutiny of legislative proposals and supports informed decision-making within the Assembly.
Despite these formal structures, the effectiveness of parliamentary procedures has at times been constrained by political instability, limited resources, and executive dominance.

Presidents of the Legislative Bodies

Leadership of the legislature has evolved alongside changes in institutional structure.
During the period of the Chamber of Deputies, the legislature was presided over by a President who managed parliamentary sessions and represented the institution externally. Similar roles existed during the era of the National Assembly and the Federal Assembly.
Under the current system, the President of the Assembly of the Union holds primary responsibility for:

• Presiding over parliamentary debates and sessions.
• Ensuring compliance with parliamentary rules.
• Representing the Assembly in relations with the executive and other state institutions.

Evolution Since 2004

Since its establishment, the Assembly of the Union has functioned within a challenging political environment marked by constitutional revisions and tensions between central authority and island autonomy. The reduction in membership in 2020 represented a significant moment in its institutional evolution, reflecting broader efforts to consolidate power and streamline governance at the national level.
These reforms have been both supported and criticised. Supporters argue that a smaller Assembly enhances efficiency and reduces costs, while critics contend that it limits political representation and weakens pluralism.