editor
Mozambique’s recent general elections, held on October 9, 2024, have sparked significant controversy and allegations of electoral fraud.
The ruling party, Frelimo, has declared victory with Daniel Chapo winning over 70% of the votes, succeeding President Filipe Nyusi, who has completed his two-term limit. This result has drawn strong criticism from the opposition, particularly from Venancio Mondlane, who claims to be the true winner and has called for nationwide protests.
Observers from various organizations have reported multiple irregularities during the electoral process, indicating that the elections were neither free nor fair. The European Union election monitoring team noted discrepancies in vote counting and alterations of results at local levels, a recurring issue since Mozambique adopted multi-party elections in 1994. These allegations have raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral commission, which has remained silent on the claims of vote rigging.
Mondlane, who secured approximately 20% of the votes, expressed his dissatisfaction with the electoral process, citing instances of “organized disorganization” that hampered the voting experience. Reports from Renamo, the traditional opposition party, highlighted that many voters found their names missing from registration lists, particularly in regions that historically support them. Manuel de Araujo, Renamo’s candidate for governor of Zambezia, has called for investigations into these issues, claiming that there were pre-filled ballots discovered and disruptions in counting due to power cuts.
Read More; BRICS Nations Embrace Africa’s Role on the Global Stage
Compounding the tension, there are accusations of illegal voting practices, particularly involving Mozambicans in Zimbabwe. Reports suggest that non-citizens, allegedly encouraged by the ruling Zanu-PF party, participated in the election, further complicating the legitimacy of the results. This situation has led many to question whether Mozambique can hold a credible electoral process moving forward.
Chapo’s presidency is viewed as a continuation of Frelimo’s longstanding governance, which has been marked by various socio-economic challenges, including a significant debt burden and environmental crises.
