Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has confirmed the election results, extending Frelimo’s 50-year rule. Daniel Chapo received 65% of votes, while opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane alleged election fraud. The ruling has heightened tensions in Mozambique, resulting in protests and casualties. Chapo is set to become president amidst mounting unrest and challenges.
The Constitutional Council of Mozambique has confirmed the contested results of the October elections, thereby affirming the Frelimo party’s continued dominance over the nation for the past half-century. The ruling concluded that Daniel Chapo, the party’s presidential candidate, garnered 65 percent of the vote, a decrease from the nearly 71 percent previously reported by the National Electoral Commission. The Podemos candidate, Venancio Mondlane, received 24.19 percent; Ossufo Momade from Renamo obtained 6.62 percent, and Lutero Simango from MDM secured 4 percent. The Council dismissed appeals for a recount from Podemos as well as calls for new elections from Renamo and MDM, despite allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities raised by Mondlane and several international observers.
Mozambique has been dominated politically by the Frelimo party since its independence from Portugal in 1975. The recent elections have incited significant controversy and unrest, particularly as opposition candidates have alleged that the vote was manipulated. The political climate remains volatile, especially in the wake of recent civil unrest, resulting in numerous casualties and escalating tensions. Additionally, the impact of natural disasters such as Cyclone Chido, which has claimed lives and inflicted damage, further complicates the country’s challenges.
The ratification of the election results by Mozambique’s highest court places Daniel Chapo at the helm of the presidency, despite ongoing claims of electoral fraud and severe civil unrest. The political ramifications indicate a potential escalation in public protests and discontent, particularly as opposition figures like Mondlane threaten popular uprisings. The overall stability of Mozambique remains precarious, compounded by recent natural disasters that have affected the nation.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
