Daniel Chapo, the candidate of Mozambique’s ruling party Frelimo, has won the country’s presidential election with more than 70 percent of the votes, according to the National Election Commission. His main opponent, Venancio Mondlane, has alleged electoral fraud and manipulation in favor of Frelimo, claiming he actually won the vote. The results mean that Frelimo, which has been in power for almost half a century, will extend its 49 years in control of the country. Mondlane, backed by the Podemos party, has called for protests against what he sees as systematic deceit in the election process.
Following the announcement of the election results, Chapo condemned the recent killings of two opposition figures and criticized the strikes called by the opposition to protest electoral fraud. Police have dispersed demonstrations by firing tear gas, and there have been reports of injuries and at least one death in Nampula. Chapo promised to do better for the people of Mozambique, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation. He will officially become the country’s president in January, making him the first leader born after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975.
Mondlane’s supporters have gathered in various cities, including Maputo and Nampula, to protest the election results. Some protesters have burned tires, ripped up election posters, and clashed with police. Mondlane has issued calls on social media for protests against Frelimo’s continued grip on power, urging the people to take control and change the country’s history. Frelimo has been accused of rigging elections in the past, which the party denies. The EU’s observer mission reported that some election observers were prevented from monitoring counting in certain areas and that there were unjustified alterations of results at some polling stations.
The killings of opposition figures Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe have added to the tensions surrounding the election. Dias, an advisor to Mondlane, was killed in a shooting in Maputo, while Guambe, the party spokesperson, was also in the car and died. Mondlane has accused the security forces of carrying out the killings, prompting police to launch an investigation. Frelimo has vehemently condemned the murders as a “macabre act.” Despite the protests and allegations of fraud, Chapo has vowed to work for the benefit of all Mozambicans and to improve their lives regardless of their backgrounds or political affiliations.
Frelimo’s victory in the election means that the party will continue its nearly 50-year rule over Mozambique, despite opposition claims of electoral fraud and manipulation. Mondlane and his supporters have called for protests against what they believe is an unfair electoral process and systematic deceit in favor of Frelimo. The election results have sparked demonstrations and clashes with police, leading to injuries and at least one death. As Chapo prepares to become the country’s president, he faces the challenge of uniting a divided population and addressing the concerns raised by the opposition and the international community about the validity of the election.
