Mozambique Court Upholds Ruling Party’s Election Win Amid Renewed Protests

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, the nation’s highest court, has confirmed the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October presidential election, a decision that has reignited protests across the country.

The court acknowledged certain irregularities during the electoral process but concluded that these did not significantly impact the overall results. Daniel Chapo, representing Frelimo, was declared the winner with 65.17% of the vote, while opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane secured 24.29%. This official count slightly adjusts the initial figures, which had indicated Chapo receiving 70% of the vote.

Following the court’s announcement, supporters of Mondlane took to the streets in the capital city, Maputo, setting fires and obstructing roadways. Mondlane, who has consistently alleged electoral fraud by Frelimo, had previously warned of potential unrest if the court upheld Chapo’s victory. He has called for a nationwide shutdown commencing Friday, signaling the possibility of prolonged disruptions.

The October election and its aftermath have been marked by significant turmoil. International observers, including those from the European Union, reported irregularities during the vote-counting process and instances of unjustified alterations of election results at polling stations and district levels.

The post-election period has been particularly violent, with reports indicating that over 100 individuals have lost their lives during clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest has also had economic repercussions, disrupting foreign business operations and leading to a downward revision of Mozambique’s growth projections for 2024 by the International Monetary Fund.

As the situation develops, there are growing concerns about the potential for further instability. The opposition’s call for continued protests and the government’s firm stance suggest that Mozambique may face ongoing challenges in achieving political reconciliation and restoring public order.