Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, has declared victory in a contentious election marked by violence and allegations of rigging, successfully extending its nearly five-decade hold on power, according to the national election commission.
Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s relatively obscure presidential candidate, who has been perceived as a potential agent of change, will succeed Filipe Nyusi, who has completed two terms in office. At 47 years old, Chapo, who secured 71% of the vote, becomes Mozambique’s first president born after the country gained independence in 1975. His closest rival, Venancio Mondlane, garnered 20% of the vote.
The election was overshadowed by claims of electoral fraud and the fatal assaults on opposition supporters, leading to protests nationwide. Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, himself criticized for electoral misconduct in the past, extended premature congratulations to Chapo on his “resounding victory,” prior to the official announcement of results.
The former rebel group Renamo, which was once the primary opposition party, finished in third place. The electoral commission reported that voter turnout was around 43% of the more than 17 million registered voters.
Simultaneous parliamentary and provincial elections were also conducted during this period. However, reports indicate a tense atmosphere in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, with footage showing deserted streets and shuttered businesses.
Mondlane, the main opposition candidate, has called for a national strike on Thursday to protest the alleged electoral fraud. He emphasized that the demonstrations would serve as a tribute to his lawyer and a party official who were shot dead last week in what he labeled politically motivated attacks. Mondlane insists he won the election, despite early results favoring Chapo.
On Monday, he organized widespread protests that were met with police action involving live ammunition and tear gas. The election faced criticism from EU observers, who reported significant irregularities during the counting process and suggested that some results may have been altered without justification.
