In Mozambique, riot police in the capital city of Maputo fired tear gas to disperse a crowd protesting alleged electoral fraud following the shooting deaths of two opposition allies. Despite the police action, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane continued to call for a general strike in response to early election results favoring the ruling Frelimo party. The tension and violence escalated over the weekend when Mondlane’s associates, lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos party candidate Paulo Guambe, were shot dead in Maputo.
The European Union, African Union, and United Nations condemned the violence and called on authorities to identify the perpetrators. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged all Mozambicans to remain calm and reject violence. The head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed deep concern over the reported post-election violence and killings. These incidents have raised fears of further unrest in the country, particularly as official election results are still pending.
US-based observers have criticized the Mozambique election for not meeting international standards of democracy, citing reports of vote buying, intimidation, inflated voter rolls, and other irregularities. Reports suggest a low turnout in the election, potentially affecting the legitimacy of the outcome. President Filipe Nyusi is stepping down after two terms, with the ruling party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, expected to win. Other presidential candidates include Renamo’s Ossufo Momade and the Mozambique Democratic Movement’s Lutero Simango.
Mondlane has claimed victory and declared the general strike a success, stating that it paralyzed the country with 95 percent of private and public services closed. The strike was reported in several cities, including Chimoio, Nampula, Beira, and Maputo. Despite the ongoing tensions and protests, the Mozambique Electoral Commission has remained silent on accusations of fraud. The situation remains volatile as the country awaits official election results and the political landscape continues to be marred by violence and unrest.
The recent violence in Mozambique underscores the deep political divisions in the country and the challenges of holding free and fair elections. The deaths of Mondlane’s associates have heightened tensions, leading to further protests and calls for accountability. International organizations have urged Mozambicans to reject violence and maintain calm as the situation unfolds. With the electoral commission under scrutiny and accusations of fraud looming, the country faces a critical juncture in its democratic process and political stability.
