Harare – SADC Chairman and the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa said the opposition in Mozambique should adhere to the rule of law.
In a statement Wednesday after the recent ruling by Mozambique’s highest court upholding the October 9 election results, which declared the FRELIMO Party victorious, Mnangagwa said everyone in Mozambique should respect the court’sdecision.
Mozambique has been embroiled in controversy since the October elections, with opposition parties and some international observers raising concerns about alleged irregularities.
The announcement by the Constitutional Council affirming FRELIMO’s victory comes amidst accusations of voter suppression and fraud, leading to widespread protests and unrest across the country.
Mnangagwa’s call for calm and adherence to constitutional processes is a reflection of SADC’s broader commitment to regional stability.
However, critics argue that SADC’s approach often prioritizes the status quo over addressing legitimate grievances.
This stance has drawn both praise for promoting order and criticism for perceived bias towards ruling parties in the region.
Mnangagwa’s full statement reads as follows:
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