Africa-Press – Mozambique. The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique (CEM) today asked electoral bodies to review all the results of the local local elections responsibly and fairly, noting that the country is facing “a situation of instability and continued social tension”.
“We call on electoral bodies to review, with responsibility and justice, the entire process of determining the results that are being released, ensuring that they are a true reflection of the votes cast at the polls, and, therefore, the will of the people”,reads a statement by the CEM, an institution made up of the Catholic bishops of Mozambique.
Those religious leaders urge “the leadership of the party benefiting from this electoral crisis”, without mentioning the name of the political party in question, “to reason with their members and supporters so that they accept the contestation of the results as part of the democratic, multi-party game and inclusive.”
The political, social and economic viability of the country must be placed above the partisan interests of a mere questionable electoral victory, the text reads.
CEM also sends a message to the opposition that has contested the results of the local elections.
“We call on the leaders of the parties protesting the electoral results to reason with their members and supporters aso that they do it (protest) peacefully, following the principles enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Mozambique and legal procedures without violence”, the note states.
The Episcopal Conference of Mozambique considers that the electoral process has been marked by electoral crimes, some more serious than others, which have generated a high degree of distrust.
“We see with great concern that, as the results are released, the levels of incomprehension rise, as well as expressions of discontent among the people, especially those who feel cheated”, says the note.
The Catholic bishops ask the Defence and Security Forces to guarantee the protection of citizens, without favouritism based on party affiliation.
The sixth municipal elections in Mozambique took place in 65 municipalities across the country last Wednesday, including 12 new municipalities, which went to vote for the first time.
The “Mais Integridade” consortium, a coalition of Mozambican non-governmental organizations, accused Frelimo of having manipulated the results of the local elections on the 11th, carrying out “a high level of fraud”.
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