The results of the municipal elections which took place in Mozambique on October 11, 2021 have just been revealed, and the figures are clear. The ruling party, Frelimo, won an overwhelming majority with 64 cities out of 65 won. Only the city of Beira, located in the center of the country, remains in the hands of the MDM, the third political force in the country.
However, these results arouse heated controversy within the opposition and Mozambican civil society, who denounce massive fraud. Renamo candidate in Maputo, Venâncio Mondlane, called the elections “a real assassination of democracy” and called for a demonstration to contest the results. Renamo notably claims victory in the capital and in Matola, the most populous city in the country. The Christian Council of Mozambique, for its part, called on political parties to avoid any recourse to violence.
The National Electoral Commission itself admitted that debates had taken place within the commission concerning the centralization of votes and the counting. Local courts also annulled votes in some towns, such as Cuamba in the north of the country and Chokwe in the south.
It is important to emphasize that these results are not final and must still be validated by the Constitutional Council.
This municipal election in Mozambique is of particular importance, because it confirms the dominance of Frelimo, the party in power since the country’s independence. However, protests and accusations of fraud call into question the legitimacy of these results and the political stability of the country.
It remains to be seen how the situation will evolve and whether measures will be taken to address the concerns of the opposition and civil society. These events mark a period of political tension in Mozambique and raise questions about democracy and the rule of law in the country.
This municipal election is also attracting international interest, as Mozambique is a key country in southern Africa, particularly due to its significant natural resources, such as natural gas. The political stability of the country is therefore an important issue for the region.
It is essential to closely monitor developments in Mozambique and encourage open and transparent dialogue between all parties concerned. Only a peaceful and fair resolution of these disputes can guarantee a strong democracy and a prosperous future for the country.