Mozambique Court Confirms Frelimo’s Presidential Victory Amid Protests

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council upheld the governing Frelimo party’s election victory, confirming Daniel Chapo’s win amid widespread protests from the opposition. Despite allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities, the court stated that these did not significantly impact the results. This ruling has ignited further protests in the capital, with opposition leader Mondlane threatening a shutdown if the outcome was upheld.

On November 5, 2024, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed the victory of the governing Frelimo party in the October presidential election amidst escalating protests challenging the election results. The court stated that while irregularities were noted, they did not significantly affect the outcome. Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, was declared the winner with 65.17% of the votes compared to 24.29% for opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane. Following the ruling, protests reignited in the capital, Maputo, where demonstrators burned tires and obstructed roads, voicing their discontent and allegations of electoral fraud perpetuated by the ruling party. Mondlane had previously threatened unrest following a potential affirmation of Frelimo’s win, calling for a complete shutdown of the city in response to the court’s decision.

The political climate in Mozambique has been tense following the October 9 elections, which resulted in the Frelimo party extending their long-standing rule to 58 years. The opposition, led by Venâncio Mondlane, has been vocal in rejecting the electoral results, highlighting allegations of manipulation and fraud. The country’s highest judiciary, the Constitutional Council, has been tasked with verifying these results which have led to significant unrest and violence, with reports of over 100 fatalities during the protests.

The confirmation of Frelimo’s victory by Mozambique’s highest court has further intensified the ongoing protests in Maputo, as discontent among opposition supporters grows. The allegations of electoral fraud and the resulting civil unrest reflect the deep-seated issues within Mozambique’s political landscape. Moving forward, it remains vital to address these grievances to ensure stability and restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Original Source: apnews.com