Mozambique's contentious elections: Tensions escalate amid allegations of fraud and violence

ZIMSPHERE

MAPUTO – Mozambique's recent elections have been overshadowed by escalating tensions and allegations of electoral fraud. The situation has become increasingly volatile, culminating in police firing tear gas at Venancio Mondlane, the leading opposition politician, and his supporters. This incident occurred as Mondlane was addressing reporters in Maputo, the capital, where his lawyer and a senior opposition official were assassinated only days before.

Image: AP Photo 

Mondlane, a prominent challenger to the ruling party, was conducting interviews near the site of the recent killings when police fired tear gas, as captured in a video on his Facebook page. The footage shows Mondlane, his aides, supporters, and journalists fleeing as tear gas canisters landed nearby. A local journalist sustained injuries during the chaos.

In response to what he and other opposition figures have called fraudulent elections, Mondlane called for a nationwide shutdown, urging citizens to stay home on Monday. Tensions flared as supporters gathered near the scene of the assassinations to protest. Police responded with tear gas in Maputo and reported unrest in the neighboring province of Gaza, arresting six individuals, according to police spokesperson Orlando Mudumane.

The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) is poised to maintain its long-standing grip on power—the party has ruled Mozambique since its independence in 1975—with candidate Daniel Chapo likely to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, the latter who finished the stipulated two terms. Preliminary results indicate Chapo has a significant lead over Mondlane, who ran as an independent with backing from the newly established Podesa opposition party.

Allegations of electoral fraud have intensified following the slaying of Elvino Dias, Mondlane's lawyer, and Paulo Guambe, a spokesperson for PODEMOS. The two were ambushed by gunmen in Maputo who sprayed bullets on their SUV vehicle—an act widely perceived as politically motivated. Dias was involved in preparing a legal challenge to the election results.

The European Union (EU) election observers have since reported irregularities, noting that their 179 observers encountered obstacles in monitoring tabulation processes at various levels. 

Chief observer Laura Ballarín highlighted "unjustified alteration" of results at some polling stations, adding to the controversy surrounding the election.

(with news agencies)