Mozambique’s President-Elect Calls for Unity Amid Disputed Election Results

Daniel Chapo, Mozambique’s president-elect, struck a conciliatory tone after winning the country’s recent contested election with 70.67% of the vote. Addressing the nation, he emphasized his desire to serve as a unifying leader, urging citizens to prioritize dialogue and peace over protests. “It is not through street protests that Mozambique develops,” Chapo stated, adding, “We are open to any Mozambican who has an idea to contribute to our country.”

The ruling Frelimo party, in power since Mozambique’s independence in 1975, retained its absolute majority in Parliament, despite widespread concerns over violence and alleged electoral irregularities. During the election cycle, several officials of the opposition Podemos coalition were reportedly targeted, with lawyer Elvino Dias and party spokesperson Paulo Guambe killed in a recent shooting in Maputo. Frelimo condemned these incidents, reiterating its commitment to peaceful governance.

Opposition leaders, however, have contested the election outcome. Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement, who received just over 3% of the vote, announced plans to challenge the results in court. Despite confirmation of the results by the electoral commission, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has the final say after considering any appeals.

Chapo faces significant challenges, including ongoing attacks from an Islamic State-affiliated insurgency in Cabo Delgado, where thousands of residents remain displaced amid destruction to homes and public infrastructure. Additionally, Mozambique is grappling with severe food shortages, exacerbated by a prolonged drought linked to El Niño.

The European Union’s observer mission noted irregularities, reporting that some election monitors had been blocked from observing vote counts, with instances of “unjustified alteration” of results. As Frelimo extends its nearly half-century rule, the international community and opposition parties remain watchful of Mozambique’s path forward under Chapo’s leadership.

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