Authorities 20-21 April foiled coup attempt, said President Dhoinine narrowly escaped assassination. Security forces arrested dozen suspects including son of former president Abderemane, Chadian/Congolese mercenaries.

Constitutional Court 13 Jan confirmed ruling party candidate Ikililou Dhoinine winner of 26 Dec presidential election. Despite reports of irregularities and fraud UNSG Ban 18 Jan issued statement commending peaceful conduct, welcomed acceptance of results by all candidates.

Electoral commission 29 Dec announced ruling party candidate Ikililou Dhoinine won 26 Dec presidential election with 61% of vote; main challenger Mohmed Said Fazul gained 33%. Opposition, international observers said poll marred by irregularities, fraud. Govt 30 Dec banned public rallies until 15 Jan.

First round of governor, presidential elections took place 7 Nov; local and international observers praised peaceful conduct. 3 candidates to compete in run-off 26 Dec, including President Sambi’s candidate, VP Ikililou Dhoinine, leading with 27% of votes. Opposition accused authorities of buying votes.

Elections for governors and presidency set to take place as scheduled with 7 Nov first round, 26 Dec run-off, despite rumours of possible delays. No overhaul of electoral registry as recommended by Election Monitoring Commit- tee, but revision of electoral laws launched 8 Oct. General Salimou Amiri, arrested early Sept for alleged involvement in June murder of army colonel Combo Ayouba, suspended from army duties.

First round of presidential, governors elections scheduled for 7 Nov delayed 28 Sept for financial reasons. General Salimou Amiri, suspected of involvement in June murder of army colonel Combo Ayouba, arrested early Sept; Amiri’s lawyer claimed scheme to oust him from army.

Despite ongoing tensions, political leaders 16 June agreed on interim govt and adopted timetable for presidential and gubernatorial elections; first round fixed for 7 Nov, second round for 26 Dec. President Sambi 21 June formed interim govt. Senior army officer Col Ayouba assassinated 13 June; Ayouba’s supporters demonstrated 14 June in Moroni, demanding perpetrators to be brought to justice.

President Sambi remained in power despite end of mandate 26 May and Supreme Court 8 May rejection of constitutional reform extending mandate. Riots in Moheli 26 May when Sambi appointed new govt. Opposition called for elections before 27 Nov 2011 date decreed by Sambi; negotiations to resolve crisis stalled 26 May, but Sambi reportedly open to earlier polls.

Protestors 9 Apr clashed with security forces in Moheli after parliament last month extended President Sambi’s term until Nov 2011. Opposition alleged recently arrived Libyan troops were mercenaries for Sambi; Sambi 13 Apr said they had come to “train” presidential guard; Govt-opposition talks unsuccessful; govt, opposition supporters have reportedly formed militias.

Large rallies in Anjouan and Moroni reportedly called for President Sambi’s resignation over price hikes, non-payment of salaries, failure to deliver reform. UNDP representative 22 Aug warned of potential instability across country despite hopes following Aujouan’s peaceful June elections.