Presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane has accused security forces in Mozambique of killing his lawyer, Elvino Dias, over the weekend following the general election. European Union poll observers have also noted irregularities and unjustified alteration of election results. These developments occurred after protests against alleged fraud in the October 9 elections. The EU observers have urged election authorities in Mozambique to conduct transparent ballot counting to ensure the credibility of the results.
Mondlane claimed in a video posted on Facebook that security forces were responsible for killing his lawyer. Dias was preparing to submit a case to contest early election results showing the ruling Frelimo party in the lead when he was shot dead. Witnesses reported that Dias and another individual, Paulo Guambe, from a party supporting Mondlane, were surrounded by vehicles and fatally shot in Maputo. Mondlane also alleged that there is a bounty on his head, further escalating tensions in the country.
The EU observers have called for “utmost restraint” in light of recent social tensions and electoral-related violence. The United States, African Union, and Portugal have also condemned the killings of Dias and Guambe. The US, being the largest bilateral donor to Mozambique, emphasized the importance of accountability for those responsible for the crimes. Official election results are anticipated to be announced this week, with Mondlane already expressing skepticism and calling for protests against expected false results.
Mondlane urged his supporters to protest and potentially paralyze the country in response to what he believes will be fraudulent election results. He had previously called for a general strike that was met with tear gas from police, further escalating the situation in the capital, Maputo. Frelimo, the ruling party in Mozambique for nearly five decades, had its candidate widely expected to win the election as President Filipe Nyusi steps down after two terms in office.
Mozambique has a history of electoral violence, with clashes and fatalities reported following local elections last year won by Frelimo. The ongoing political tensions and accusations of fraud indicate challenges in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process in the country. With international observers raising concerns about irregularities and the killing of key political figures, the situation in Mozambique remains volatile and uncertain as the official election results are awaited. It is crucial for authorities to address these issues and uphold democratic principles to prevent further violence and instability in the country.
