Presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane accused security forces in Mozambique of killing his lawyer, Elvino Dias, over the weekend. This came amid accusations by European Union poll observers of unjustified alterations of election results in the country’s recent general election. The EU observers noted irregularities during counting and called for transparency in the process to ensure credibility. Mondlane accused security forces of being responsible for Dias’ death, claiming that the special forces had fired at Dias 25 times. Dias was killed while preparing to contest early election results showing the ruling Frelimo party in the lead. Witnesses reported that Dias and another individual were surrounded by vehicles and shot dead in Maputo.
The EU observers urged restraint amidst social tensions and electoral-related violence in Mozambique. They condemned the killings of Dias and another individual, urging a swift and thorough investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable. The United States, African Union, and Portugal also condemned the killings. Official election results are expected to be announced this week in Mozambique. Mondlane called on his supporters to protest against what he believed would be false election results by paralyzing the country through demonstrations. He had previously called for a general strike and participated in protests that were dispersed by the police using tear gas.
Frelimo, the ruling party in Mozambique for nearly five decades, was expected to win the election, with its candidate Daniel Chapo as the frontrunner. President Filipe Nyusi, who has served two terms, is stepping down. The country of 35 million has a history of electoral violence, with clashes occurring following local elections last year that were won by Frelimo. The US, as the largest bilateral donor to Mozambique, provided over $560 million in assistance annually, condemned the killings and called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Mondlane, a presidential candidate, accused security forces of being behind the killing of his lawyer and called for transparency in the electoral process to uphold credibility.
In light of the social tensions and electoral-related violence, the EU observers called for restraint from all parties involved in Mozambique. They reiterated their condemnation of the killings and urged for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability. The African Union and Portugal also joined in condemning the killings. With official election results expected to be announced soon, Mondlane and his supporters have been vocal in their protests against alleged fraud in the election. Frelimo, the ruling party for almost five decades, was expected to have its candidate win the election. President Nyusi is stepping down after two terms, and electoral violence has been a recurring issue in Mozambique.
Mondlane’s accusations against security forces in Mozambique raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. The EU observers noted irregularities in the election results and called for a transparent and credible counting process to ensure the traceability of polling station results. The killings of Dias and another individual sparked outrage locally and internationally, with calls for a swift and thorough investigation into the matter. As the largest bilateral donor to Mozambique, the US condemned the killings and called for accountability. Protesters, including Mondlane, have been vocal in their criticism of the election process and have faced police crackdowns during demonstrations. Ultimately, the situation in Mozambique remains tense as the country awaits official election results and grapples with allegations of fraud and violence in the electoral process.
