The Constitutional Council of Mozambique has issued a public statement addressing the validation process of the highly contested election results from the October 9, 2024, presidential, legislative, and provincial elections. In their communication, the Council has confirmed that deliberations are ongoing and that a final decision will be reached within the timeline stipulated by the country’s Constitution.

Complex Political Climate

The Council acknowledged the instability and insecurity that have arisen in the aftermath of the elections, particularly in light of protests led by opposition candidate Venâncio António Bila Mondlane and his party. These protests, while framed as an exercise of constitutional rights to free expression and assembly, have in some cases escalated into acts of vandalism and infringements on individual liberties, the Council noted.

Threats to Judiciary Independence

The Constitutional Council also highlighted the recent wave of threats and intimidation targeting its judges, including death threats circulated on social media. In response, the Council condemned these actions, emphasizing that such behavior constitutes a crime and undermines the democratic process.

“The threat and intimidation of judges are not tools of democracy,” the Council stated, reinforcing their commitment to delivering a decision grounded in constitutional and legal principles.

Final Decision Timeline

Citing Article 184 of Mozambique’s Constitution, the Council reminded the public that the validation and proclamation of election results must occur before the first session of the new legislature. This session is constitutionally required to convene within 20 days after the results are finalized. With the current legislature inaugurated on January 12, 2020, and its term expiring in January 2025, the Council is working against a clear constitutional deadline to conclude its review.

Call for Restraint and Transparency

The Council called for calm and emphasized its role as the “guardian of the Constitution,” ensuring that its decisions are independent, just, and based solely on the evidence provided. Stressing the importance of transparency, the Council urged all citizens, political parties, and civil society to contribute to maintaining order and upholding the integrity of the electoral process.

A Nation Watches

As Mozambique awaits the Council’s decision, the public remains on edge. The outcome of this process will determine the country’s political future and could either mitigate or exacerbate the post-election tensions. The Constitutional Council assured the public that it is working diligently to achieve the truth and uphold democracy in the nation.

Observers, both national and international, have appealed for transparency and fairness, placing significant pressure on the Council to deliver a decision that maintains public trust in the democratic process.