Mozambique’s Constitutional Council Affirms Frelimo’s Controversial Election Victory

Mozambique’s top court confirmed Frelimo’s victory in the disputed October elections, prompting significant protests alleging vote rigging. The elections faced accusations of unfairness, resulting in at least 130 deaths during clashes. The unrest has impacted foreign businesses and led to a downward revision of economic growth forecasts for 2024.

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed on Monday the ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the contentious October elections, igniting significant protests from opposition groups alleging vote manipulation. This ruling is expected to perpetuate the unrest in Mozambique, a nation governed by Frelimo since its independence in 1975, with a population nearing 35 million. Observers from the West have claimed the elections failed to meet standards of fairness, leading to intense demonstrations, marking the largest anti-Frelimo protests in the country’s history. The aftermath has been marked by violence, resulting in at least 130 deaths in confrontations with law enforcement, as reported by the civil society group Plataforma Decide.

At a press conference in Maputo, where the announcement was made, police maintained a strong presence, resulting in eerily quiet streets. However, disturbances erupted shortly after the announcement in various regions, particularly in Nacala-Porto, where protestors rallied against the decision. The Constitutional Council reported that Daniel Chapo from Frelimo received approximately 65% of the vote, contrasting with the electoral commission’s previous figure of over 70% and allocating fewer parliamentary seats without clarification.

Frelimo has faced allegations of electoral fraud since the introduction of multi-party elections in 1994, which it has consistently denied. The electoral commission has not addressed any claims regarding this recent election’s legitimacy. In a gathering, Chapo asserted his commitment to enhancing the quality of life for citizens. Yet, the representative of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane rejected the results, stating, “We never thought that the electoral truth would be trampled. The will of the people was obliterated,” indicating profound discontent among opposition ranks.

The civil unrest has adversely impacted international businesses, including Australian mining company South32, and temporarily shut down essential border crossings with South Africa. The International Monetary Fund has revised Mozambique’s economic growth forecast for 2024 downward, attributing this adjustment to the ongoing turmoil and recent Cyclone Chido.

Mozambique, positioned in Southern Africa and housing close to 35 million residents, has been under the governance of Frelimo since its independence from Portugal in 1975. The country transitioned to multi-party elections in 1994, leading to ongoing contentious relations between the ruling party and opposition factions. The political landscape has been fraught with allegations of electoral irregularities, with citizens frequently questioning the integrity of the electoral process. The 2023 elections, like many in the past, have further exacerbated tensions, highlighting deep divisions within Mozambican society concerning governance and electoral fairness.

The Constitutional Council’s confirmation of Frelimo’s election victory amid widespread allegations of electoral fraud and subsequent violent protests illustrates the volatile political climate in Mozambique. The resultant social unrest not only threatens the stability of the nation but also has significant economic implications, affecting both foreign investments and growth forecasts. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that respects democratic principles and the will of the Mozambican citizens.

Original Source: www.cnn.com