In Mozambique‚ the presidential election results are causing a stir As early counts come in‚ Daniel Chapo from the long-standing Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party is ahead. However Venancio Mondlane‚ the main opposition candidate running independently‚ isnt accepting these results
Frelimo has been in charge since Mozambique became independent from Portugal almost five decades ago. Theyʼve won every national vote for the past 30 years but have often been accused of cheating in elections (which they deny)
Mondlane is calling the current election a fraud and wants people to strike on Monday. He says its “the most shameful level of deceit by the regime“. Analysts have pointed out issues with how Frelimo handles voter lists and polling stations
Tensions are high – a protest march led by Mondlane in Nampula was stopped by police. They say he didnt follow the agreed route and encouraged supporters to face off with officers; four people ended up arrested
Chapo is set to take over from Filipe Nyusi‚ whos finishing his second term as president. Its worth noting that Mondlane used to be part of Renamo (the main opposition party) but left to run on his own a few months back
Mozambiques political landscape has been shaped by its past: Frelimo fought a long civil war against Renamo after independence before Renamo became the opposition. Now‚ as votes are counted the country waits to see how this chapter in its democracy will unfold