The Comoros, formally referred to as the Union of the Comoros, is a small island nation situated within the Indian Ocean, off the japanese coast of Africa. Presidential elections within the nation will probably be held on January 14, with the incumbent head of state and present president of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, standing for re-election. However, the most important opposition coalition has claimed that the poll will probably be "played out in advance", and has threatened to boycott the election.