Mozambique
Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has confirmed Frelimo’s victory in the contentious October elections, igniting widespread unrest across the country.
The ruling party, in power since 1975, has been accused of election rigging by opposition groups and international observers, raising questions about the legitimacy of the results.
The council announced Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s candidate, as the president-elect on Monday. Chapo reportedly secured about 65% of the vote, slightly less than the 70% previously stated by the electoral commission. The council also reduced Frelimo’s parliamentary seats without providing an explanation for the adjustment. 
However, opposition groups, including supporters of Venancio Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the vote, have rejected the outcome. “We never thought that the electoral truth would be trampled. The will of the people was obliterated,” declared Judite Simao, a representative of the opposition.
Post-Election Protests Shake Mozambique
Protests erupted in cities like Nacala-Porto within an hour of the court’s announcement. Streets in the capital, Maputo, were eerily quiet, guarded by a heavy police presence, while local broadcasts captured demonstrators in action.
These protests have resulted in significant clashes, with Plataforma Decide, a civil society group, reporting over 130 deaths so far.
Western election monitors criticized the elections as neither free nor fair. Their findings spotlight the alleged manipulation by Frelimo, a party long accused of electoral malpractice. Yet, the electoral commission has remained silent on the fraud allegations, intensifying public frustration.
Unrest Impacts Economy and Foreign Investment
The political turmoil has begun to affect Mozambique’s economy and foreign investments. Australian mining giant South32 has reported disruptions, and the main border crossing with South Africa faced temporary closures due to security concerns.
Additionally, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised Mozambique’s 2024 economic growth forecast downward from 4.3%, citing the unrest and the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido earlier this month.
Frelimo’s Vision Amid Crisis
Despite the backlash, Chapo addressed Frelimo supporters, promising to prioritize the welfare of Mozambicans. “As president, I will work to improve the lives of our people,” he stated, aiming to reassure a nation grappling with doubts over electoral integrity.
With protests intensifying, Mozambique faces a critical juncture. Will the unrest push for reforms, or will Frelimo continue to govern under the shadow of controversy?
Read More:
