Mozambique’s ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo, has won the presidential election with over 70 percent of the vote, according to the National Election Commission (CNE). This victory extends the governing Front for the Liberation of Mozambique party’s nearly 50-year rule in the country since independence in 1975. Chapo’s main opponent, Venancio Mondlane, has alleged electoral fraud and manipulation in favor of Frelimo, while the candidate of the opposition party Renamo, Ossufo Momade, came in third with over five percent of the vote. Mondlane’s supporters have gathered in protest across various cities, with clashes reported between protesters and police resulting in injuries and at least one death.
Chapo has condemned the recent killings of two opposition figures, Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe, amidst the ongoing protests following the election results. Dias, a lawyer and advisor to Mondlane, was killed in a shooting in Maputo, while Guambe, the party spokesperson, also lost his life in the incident. Mondlane has accused the security forces of carrying out the killings, prompting police to launch an investigation. Despite the unrest, Chapo has vowed to do better for all Mozambicans, regardless of their background or political affiliation, as he prepares to take office in January. The Frelimo party has consistently denied allegations of election rigging.
The protests and clashes have highlighted the deep divisions and tensions in Mozambique, with opposition parties alleging fraud since the day of the election. Mondlane has called for a “great national demonstration” against Frelimo’s long-standing rule, urging the people to take power and change the country’s history. The EU’s observer mission has raised concerns about the transparency of the electoral process, noting instances where election observers were prevented from monitoring counting and unjustified alterations of results at polling stations. Frelimo, which is stepping down after two terms of President Filipe Nyusi, has been accused of rigging elections in the past.
Despite the opposition’s claims of electoral fraud, the National Election Commission has confirmed Chapo as the winner of the election. More than 70 percent of the population voted for the Frelimo candidate, marking a significant victory for the ruling party. Chapo has promised to work for the betterment of the Mozambican people, emphasizing inclusivity and unity in his leadership. The protests and unrest following the election results underscore the challenges facing the country in terms of political stability and social cohesion. As Chapo prepares to take office, he will need to address these issues and work towards healing the divisions that have emerged during the election process.
