Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has confirmed the ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the October election, despite allegations of rigging by opposition groups. Frelimo has governed the country since 1975, and the recent election results have sparked massive protests.
Western observers have criticized the election, stating it was not free and fair. The post-election period has seen unprecedented protests against Frelimo, resulting in clashes with police and at least 130 reported deaths.
The final tally by the Constitutional Council showed Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo securing about 65% of the vote, lower than the initial figure of over 70% reported by the electoral commission. Frelimo also retained fewer seats in parliament according to the Council's ruling.
Opponents and election observers have long accused Frelimo of vote rigging since the country's first elections in 1994. Despite these allegations, Frelimo has denied any wrongdoing. The electoral commission has not addressed the fraud claims from this election.
Following the announcement of Chapo as president-elect, protests erupted in various parts of the country, including the capital and the city of Nacala-Porto. The opposition leader Venancio Mondlane's representative rejected the election results, claiming the will of the people was disregarded.
The post-election unrest has had economic repercussions, impacting foreign companies operating in Mozambique. The Australian mining firm South32 has been affected, and the main border crossing with South Africa was temporarily closed due to the protests.
An International Monetary Fund official has warned that Mozambique's economic growth forecast for 2024 may be lower than the previous 4.3% estimate due to the ongoing unrest and the aftermath of Cyclone Chido.
