Fatshimetrie
The southern African country of Mozambique has been in the throes of a turbulent political crisis for more than 50 days after the elections. The opposition candidate who came in second in the October 8 poll has called for more protests. Venancio Mondlane, in a video posted on Facebook, urged his supporters to block traffic. The calls for protests come after electoral authorities declared the ruling Frelimo party, Daniel Chapo, the winner.
The opposition has fiercely contested the victory, accusing it of fraud. The protests have led to a series of almost daily demonstrations across the country, mostly concentrated in the capital, Maputo. The crackdown by security forces has already left at least 76 dead and 210 injured, according to civil society organizations.
Official results from the National Electoral Commission (CNE) gave Chapo 71% of the vote, while Mondlane, an independent candidate supported by the Podemos party, won 20%. These figures have fuelled controversy and exacerbated political tensions in the country.
This electoral crisis highlights the deep political and social divisions in Mozambique, a country that has been ruled by Frelimo since its independence in 1975. The ongoing protests and unrest in the country highlight the need for inclusive and transparent political dialogue to resolve this crisis and restore stability.
In this tense context, it is imperative that the Mozambican authorities exercise restraint in repressing protests and respect the fundamental rights of citizens to demonstrate peacefully. It is also crucial that all stakeholders commit to finding a political solution to this crisis in order to avoid an escalation of violence and preserve Mozambique’s democracy and stability.