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Mozambique: Election results spark protests and riots in Mozambique

Posted on by Josh L
Mozambique: Election results spark protests and riots in Mozambique

Protests erupt in Mozambique after election results are announced, although rooted in long-standing dissatisfaction with the status quo

The outbreak of unrest occurred after the National Electoral Commission (CNE) announced the results of the latest presidential elections in Mozambique on October 24. The CNE announced Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO), as the winner. , gaining 70.67% of the vote. Chapo, a 47-year-old newcomer born after independence, also marks the transition to a new era in the ruling party, but his victory was fraught with controversy and sparked a wave of protests from opposition supporters.

The election, which was reported to have a turnout of 43% of the 17 million registered voters, has been accused of electoral irregularities by opposition parties, questioning the legitimacy of the results. Venancio Mondlane, the presidential candidate from the newly formed opposition party Podemos, came second with 20.32% of the vote and refused to concede, publicly denying the result. Mondlane previously claimed victory based on reports from party agents and exit polls. He called on supporters to go out to protest, declaring the “stolen election”. Mass protests have been taking place since October 12, during which clashes between opposition supporters and security forces have intensified.

The unrest also reflects growing disenchantment among Mozambicans with FRELIMO’s nearly 50-year rule. In parliamentary elections held at the same time as the presidential elections, FRELIMO won a decisive majority, securing 195 of the 250 seats in parliament. Podemos gained significant ground with 31 seats, while Renamo, the historic opposition party, won just 20 seats. The result is a stark contrast to the once formidable influence of Renamo. Renamo, which began as an anti-communist rebel group sponsored by Rhodesia and apartheid South Africa during the Mozambican civil war, became a political party after the 1992 peace accord and has long been FRELIMO’s main electoral rival. However, recent years have seen a steady decline in support for Renamo, as internal divisions, leadership struggles and a limited ability to adapt to political dynamics have weakened its appeal among voters.

Unlike Renamo, Podemos appears to have effectively attracted young Mozambicans and urban voters eager for reform and solutions to the country’s economic and security problems. This appeal enabled Podemos to gain significant support, challenging FRELIMO’s dominance with renewed vigour. Mondlane’s position as a reformist outspoken on issues of economic accountability and anti-corruption resonated with voters disillusioned with both FRELIMO’s continued rule and Renamo’s perceived stagnation.

The protests have not been without chaos, with rights groups reporting that the police responded harshly to the demonstrations, killing at least 20 people during the clashes.

Protesters have accused the government of using intimidation tactics, such as ballot-stuffing and voter intimidation, to maintain control over FRELIMO. In response, the government imposed strict internet restrictions and blocked access to social media platforms to limit reports of protests and alleged violations. Those restrictions went into effect on October 25, the day after Chapo’s victory was announced, and were extended the following week.

There is an urgent need to resolve the electoral conflict as the country faces many other challenges such as corruption, rising kidnappings and youth unemployment at 3.54%, as well as security challenges adding to the mess.

read: Why the discovery of natural gas in Mozambique produced tragedies, not economic prospects

Mozambique is rich in resources Province of Cabo Delgado was the epicenter of a violent rebellion under the leadership of extremist groups. Since 2017, these groups have destabilized communities in the Northern region, displacing hundreds of thousands and hindering community development opportunities. Despite the efforts of government forces and private military contractors, insurgents remain a constant threat.