Are elections ‘democratic’ or it is just a mere child’s play? A case study of Mozambique

By Bethany S.J Bindura and Rachel Mapenda

Mozambique’s 2024 general elections have become a subject of significant debate and concern, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s democratic journey.

The outcome of the elections has led many to question whether democracy truly exists in Mozambique. The October 9, 2024, elections were highly anticipated by citizens who sought to voice their concerns about the ongoing crisis in Cabo Delgado and address other socio-political issues. However, due to the unfair political environment in the country, those in power had already devised ways to manipulate the election results and suppress civilian votes.

This led opposition parties to raise concerns about voter irregularities and the loss of many lives.

The elections were marred by allegations of electoral fraud, violence, and a notable decline in voter turnout. Provisional results indicated a sweeping victory for the ruling party, FRELIMO, which secured 78% of parliamentary seats. However, this outcome has been contested by opposition parties such as PODEMOS and RENAMO, who have alleged widespread electoral fraud.

Reports from international observers highlighted serious irregularities, including ballot stuffing and discrepancies in voter rolls. These claims raise critical questions about the integrity of Mozambique’s electoral institutions and their ability to conduct free and fair elections.

The Constitutional Council’s role in validating these results is crucial, yet its independence has been called into question due to historical political interference in judicial matters. Without a transparent and impartial adjudication process, public trust in election outcomes will continue to erode.

Voter turnout for both presidential and parliamentary elections hit a two-decade low, with only 43.5% participation in the presidential election. This decline can be attributed to several factors: growing public distrust in the electoral process, perceptions of corruption within political institutions, and an inflated voter roll that includes non-existent “ghost” voters.

The ongoing insecurity in regions like Cabo Delgado has further exacerbated this disillusionment, as citizens feel increasingly marginalized from political participation.

The low turnout reflects a troubling trend where citizens are disengaging from what they perceive as a flawed democratic process. This disengagement poses a risk not only to future elections but also to the overall health of democracy in Mozambique.

Adding to concerns about electoral integrity and public participation, post-election violence has escalated dramatically since the October polls. Protests erupted over allegations of fraud, leading to deadly confrontations between demonstrators and police forces. The assassination of key opposition figures further highlights an environment where dissent is met with brutal repression rather than dialogue. Such violence not only undermines democratic principles but also instills fear among citizens who wish to express their political opinions or challenge government actions.

The heavy-handed response from authorities, including internet shutdowns, serves as a stark reminder that freedom of expression remains under threat in Mozambique.

The relevance of democracy in Mozambique can be viewed from two perspectives. Some believe in its significance, arguing that democracy is a process of progress in which a state must evolve and overcome its challenges to achieve meaningful development.

From this viewpoint, the 2024 electoral violence can be seen as part of a broader struggle toward building a better democratic nation. The active participation of women in the political movements also highlights progress in the inclusion of marginalized groups, signaling greater political recognition and representation.

On the other hand, others argue that democracy in Mozambique is merely a tool used by those in power to serve their own interests.

This is evident in the dominance of FRELIMO and its continued consolidation of authority, raising questions about whether Mozambique is truly a democratic state or, in reality, a de facto one-party system.