By 
Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has upheld the ruling party, Frelimo’s victory in the contentious October elections, a decision that has ignited widespread protests from opposition groups alleging electoral fraud.
The ruling, reported by Africanews, validates Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo’s landslide presidential win and the party’s strengthened parliamentary majority.
This comes despite criticism from Western observers who deemed the elections neither free nor fair.
Frelimo has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Post-election unrest has escalated, with violent clashes between protesters and police leaving at least 130 people dead, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide.
The protests mark the most significant opposition to Frelimo’s rule since it took power at independence in 1975.
Opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, currently in exile citing safety concerns, claims an independent count shows he won the election.
He has called for a “popular uprising” against the court’s ruling, warning of “difficult days ahead.”
Tensions are high in Maputo, where businesses remain closed, and police have barricaded key roads.
Daniel Chapo, 47, is set to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi on January 15, becoming Mozambique’s first leader born after independence.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments