Harare-The chairman of SADC and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged parties in Mozambique to respect the rule of law.
Chaos escalated Monday in Maputo after the Constitutional Court upheld the controversial October election results.
The ruling reaffirmed the ruling FRELIMO party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo’s victory, albeit with a revised margin, acknowledging significant electoral irregularities.
The court reduced Chapo’s victory from 71% to 65%, increasing his rival Venâncio Mondlane’s share to 24% from the previous 20%.
The opposition has rejected the results and called all citizens to storm the streets.
In a statement Wednesday, Mnangagwa said the decision of the constitutional court should be respected.
Below is Mnangagwa’s full statement:
STATEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF SADC, DR EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA, ON ELECTION RESULTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOZAMBIQUE
The Southern Africa Development Community, SADC, notes and acknowledges the ruling and confirmation on Monday, 23rd December 2024, by the Constitutional Council of Election Results held in the Republic of Mozambique on 9th October this year. The ruling by that country’s top electoral court, which upheld FRELIMO Party’s victory, completes and thus exhausts all lawful processes on determining election results, in line with that country’s national laws, and in keeping with SADC’s Election Guidelines and expectations.
SADC thus expects all parties to the electoral process, both individually and collectively, to abide by the decision of the Council which should provide a constitutional way forward for the country, and facilitate the way to greater peace, normalcy and stability in the interest of all Mozambicans.
SADC stands ready to assist the incoming Government, and People of Mozambique, in consolidating their electoral democracy on the basis of the aforesaid Court decision which should be held sacrosanct by all. Indeed, this is what the rule of law is all about.
Further, SADC urges the international community to respect the sovereign will of the people and the Republic of Mozambique, exhorting all concerned to constructively support all processes towards peace, law, and order which the country and people sorely need and deserve.
Our Region witnessed a record number of national elections in the last two years, itself a loud testimony that democracy continues to find deeper roots and to flourish in our SADC Region.
ED Mnangagwa President of Zimbabwe and Chairman of SADC