Maputo, Mozambique — Monday, December 23, 2024
By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Protests have erupted across Mozambique once again following the Constitutional Council’s confirmation that ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo won the October presidential election, despite widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who came second, has called for nationwide demonstrations, deepening the country’s political crisis.
Constitutional Council Addresses Election Complaints
Earlier today, the Constitutional Council, led by President Lucia Ribeiro, addressed the nation to explain delays in validating the election results, citing an overwhelming number of complaints and discrepancies.
Ribeiro outlined key issues raised during the election, including discrepancies in voter numbers and procedural flaws, which have fueled accusations of fraud. Notably, civil society organizations refused to cooperate fully, citing fears of legitimizing a process they described as compromised.
Ribeiro also highlighted an appeal from the opposition Podemos party, which sought to annul diaspora votes in Zimbabwe due to alleged irregularities. The appeal, submitted on November 20, 2024, was rejected by the National Elections Commission (CNE) for lack of evidence and failure to meet procedural requirements.
Revised Election Results
Despite the controversies, the Constitutional Council officially declared Daniel Chapo the winner, reducing his margin of victory from 71% to 65%. Opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane’s share of the vote increased slightly to 24%. The Council attributed these adjustments to ongoing scrutiny of voter data but maintained the legitimacy of the results.
Protests and Unrest
Mondlane, currently in exile, has called for a nationwide shutdown and protests against what he described as a “deeply compromised” election process. On Monday, protesters in Maputo and other cities burned tyres, barricaded roads, and clashed with police, who responded with tear gas.
The unrest has turned parts of Maputo into ghost towns, with roads empty and businesses shuttered. The protests echo the violent demonstrations that broke out in October when preliminary results were announced, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Opposition and Civil Society Reaction
Mondlane continues to allege widespread electoral fraud, calling the results illegitimate. In a weekend social media post, he warned of a “new popular uprising” if the election outcome was not overturned.
Civil society groups, meanwhile, have maintained a stance of non-cooperation with the electoral process. Observers refused to share reports of the election, citing concerns of being implicated in fraud, further straining the credibility of the outcome.
International and Domestic Implications
The ongoing unrest has raised concerns within the region and among international observers, many of whom have expressed worries about Mozambique’s democratic trajectory. The contested election and subsequent protests risk destabilizing the country, with fears of prolonged unrest if a resolution is not reached.
Looking Ahead
The Constitutional Council has pledged transparency in addressing each complaint and appeal, but the path forward remains fraught with uncertainty. With civil society and the opposition questioning the legitimacy of the process, the government faces mounting pressure to address grievances and restore public trust.
As the protests continue, Mozambique stands at a critical juncture, with the potential for further violence looming unless meaningful dialogue and reforms are initiated-ZimEye