In a recent escalation of unrest in Mozambique, election observers from the European Union (EU) have reported that some voting results may have been manipulated. This comes on the heels of a fierce protest on Monday led by independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who is accusing security forces of being involved in the deaths of his lawyer, Elvino Dias, and another political official, Paulo Guambe. Both were shot last Friday, an event Mondlane claims was politically motivated, a charge that the authorities deny.
As the official results from the general elections held on October 9 are scheduled for release this Friday, the EU observer mission has pointed out “irregularities during the counting process” and “unjustified alterations of election results at polling station and district level.” They are calling for electoral bodies to ensure that the tabulation process remains transparent and verifiable.
Concerns over vote-buying, inflated voter rolls favoring the ruling Frelimo party, and instances of voter intimidation have also been highlighted by the International Republican Institute, which deployed a team of observants to the nation. The electoral commission’s website, which is supposed to host the national results, has been inactive since suffering a cyber-attack last month.
Mondlane, a 50-year-old presidential hopeful backed by the opposition party Podemos, has claimed victory despite the chaotic environment. He insists the killings of his aides were orchestrated by government forces. “This was a crime committed by the defense and security forces. There’s no doubt about it. The special forces killed Elvino [Dias],” Mondlane declared.
In response to the unrest, authorities used live ammunition, tear gas, armored vehicles, and police dogs to disperse demonstrators in the capital, Maputo, where the shootings occurred. Protesters barricaded roads with burning tires, with reports of arrests and at least 16 injuries. Local businesses closed on Monday but began reopening the following day.
Mondlane has called for more protests on Thursday and Friday, coinciding with the funeral of his lawyer. The international community, including former Mozambican President Armando Guebuza and organizations such as the African Union and the UN, has condemned the violence and is pressing the government to bring the perpetrators to justice. Notably, celebrated Mozambican author Mia Couto has referred to the killings as a “crime against the nation.”
With President Filipe Nyusi stepping down after reaching his term limit, the election is particularly pivotal for Mozambique, which has been under the rule of the Frelimo party since its independence from Portugal. The ruling candidate, Daniel Chapo, faces tough competition from Mondlane, Ossufo Momade of the Renamo party, and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement.
