Mozambique: Daniel Chapo declared as the President of Mozambique with approximately 65% of the vote.

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Maputo, Mozambique — Monday, December 23, 2024 Mozambique’s Constitutional Council addressed the nation today, offering explanations for the delays in validating the results of the recent general elections, citing an overwhelming number of complaints and discrepancies. The Council, led by President Lucia Ribeiro, provided detailed responses to each complaint and appeal, shedding light on the contentious issues surrounding the electoral process. Election Complaints and Irregularities Lucia Ribeiro began by outlining the context of the elections, including the total number of registered voters and the turnout rates. She acknowledged discrepancies in voter numbers, which opposition parties and civil society groups have flagged as potential indicators of fraud. Notably, civil society observers refused to share their reports, citing fears of being implicated in what they described as a fraudulent process. “Subsequently, on November 20, 2024, one appeal from the Podemos party was submitted to the National Elections Commission (CNE), invoking the annulment of presidential election results in the diaspora in the Republic of Zimbabwe for alleged irregularities. The request in question was rejected due to lack of evidence and failure to meet procedural requirements,” said Ribeiro. Opposition Concerns and Civil Society Stance The opposition has been vocal in its criticism of the election process, with multiple appeals submitted to the Constitutional Council. The President of the Council described the content of these appeals as varied but largely focused on discrepancies in voter data and procedural flaws. Adding to the complexity, civil society organizations have refused to cooperate fully, arguing that they do not want to legitimize what they perceive as a flawed election process. This refusal has further strained the credibility of the electoral outcome. Election Results Announced Amid the controversies, the Constitutional Council officially declared Daniel Chapo as the President of Mozambique with approximately 65% of the vote. This figure marks a decrease from earlier projections, which had placed his support at 70%. The adjustment in numbers was attributed to ongoing scrutiny of voter data. Calls for Shutdown and Growing Tensions Communicating hours before the announcement, opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane called for a nationwide five-day shutdown starting Monday. He urged citizens to protest what he described as a “deeply compromised” election process. The call for action has sparked concerns over potential unrest in the days ahead. Looking Ahead As Mozambique grapples with the aftermath of its contentious election, the Constitutional Council has pledged to provide clarity on each complaint and appeal. However, with civil society’s refusal to engage and the opposition mobilizing public protests, the path forward remains uncertain. The nation now waits to see how the government and opposition will navigate this critical juncture in Mozambique’s democratic journey.- ZimEye