As of Wednesday, October 16, provisional election results indicate that Mozambique’s ruling party, FRELIMO, is leading across all 11 provinces following the elections held on October 9. Mozambicans cast their votes for a new president and members of parliament, with four candidates competing for the presidency: Daniel Chapo (47), Ossufo Momade (63), Venancio Mondlane (50), and Lutero Simango (64).
Opposition parties have raised serious allegations of electoral fraud against FRELIMO. Mondlane, an independent candidate and Chapo’s primary rival, claims to be ahead based on his own counting and has called for a nationwide strike on Monday, October 21. He alleges that FRELIMO seeks to maintain control over Mozambique’s financial and natural resources.
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Lutero Simango, representing the Democratic Movement of Mozambique, has announced intentions to contest the election results in court.
Election observers, including representatives from the International Republican Institute, have reported that the election fell short of international democratic standards, citing problems such as vote-buying, intimidation, and a lack of transparency in the electoral process.
Chapo has urged voters to remain calm as they await the official results, which are anticipated by October 24. However, ongoing criticism of the electoral process persists from various observers and NGOs.
