Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, has achieved a decisive victory in the country’s recent elections, solidifying its hold on power for nearly five decades. The National Election Commission announced that Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s relatively unknown presidential candidate, received 71% of the votes, succeeding Filipe Nyusi, who has served two terms. Chapo, 47, makes history as the first president born after Mozambique gained independence in 1975. His closest rival, Venancio Mondlane of the opposition, garnered only 20% of the vote.
The electoral process has been marred by significant controversy, including allegations of rigging and violence against opposition supporters. Protests erupted across the nation following the announcement, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the electoral integrity. In a surprising move, Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa extended premature congratulations to Chapo, raising eyebrows amid ongoing concerns regarding the legitimacy of the results.
With only 43% of over 17 million registered voters participating, the election atmosphere remains tense, particularly in the capital, Maputo. Reports indicate empty streets and shuttered businesses, as citizens respond to the charged political climate. Mondlane has called for a national strike to protest the alleged electoral fraud and to honor the memory of his lawyer and a party official who were shot dead last week, incidents he describes as politically motivated.
International observers, including representatives from the EU, have criticized the election process, citing numerous irregularities during vote counting and unexplained alterations to results. These concerns further exacerbate the already volatile situation, as Mondlane contests the results, asserting that he is the rightful winner based on preliminary polls. Following a series of protests, which were met with police violence, the future of Mozambique’s political landscape remains uncertain.