Africa-Press – Mozambique. At a time of strong opposition on the streets to the results of the local elections, President of Mozambique Filipe Nyusi today called for the “pacification” of the country in the face of “acts and attitudes” that contribute to the “destruction” of the country.
“I would like to end this intervention by reiterating the appeal to all Mozambicans, without any distinction of race, creed or party colour, to contribute to the pacification and projection of Mozambique towards prosperity,” Nyusi said at the opening of the 35th Coordinating Council of the Ministry of National Defence in Maputo.
“The clearest example is the Armed Forces and the Defence [Forces], which do not wear any colour other than the one they cover themselves with – the national flag. Mozambique is the only ship in which all of us can sail towards progress and happiness. Therefore, we must not embark on acts or attitudes that contribute to its destruction and downfall, at the risk of all of us succumbing,” the head of state stressed.
The president in his intervention did not mention the current political scenario in the country, one of strong opposition to the results of the municipal elections held on October 11th, with practically daily demonstrations promoted by the opposition in cities across the country, some of which entailed intervention by the police.
The Mozambican Public Prosecutor’s Office (PGR) has registered more than 10 criminal cases following demonstrations against the results of the sixth local elections in Mozambique, asking that an such be carried out in compliance with the law.
“At this moment, a survey carried out at national level shows just over 10 criminal cases in progress, with some still being judged,” said Ribeiro Cuna, provincial prosecutor of Nampula, in northern Mozambique, on the sidelines of a meeting of the Central Asset Recovery Office, taking place in Maputo since Monday.
According to Cuna, speaking on behalf of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, criminal offenses were recorded in some demonstrations. He therefore asked that any protest be conducted in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic and the Law on Freedom of Assembly and Demonstration.
The streets of some Mozambican cities, including Maputo, have been taken over by repeated opposition demonstrations against what they consider a “mega fraud” in the October 11 municipal elections, and against the results announced by the National Elections Commission (CNE), which attributed victory to Frelimo in 64 of the country’s 65 municipalities.
The announced results have been heavily criticized by opposition parties, civil society and non-governmental organizations.
The Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), the largest opposition party, which in the previous 53 municipalities (12 new municipalities were created this year) led in eight, was left holding no municipalities, despite, based on the minutes and original notices from polling stations, claiming victory in the country’s largest citie,. Renamo has appealed to the Constitutional Council, the last instance of appeal in the electoral process.
Some district courts recognized irregularities in the electoral process and ordered the repetition of several electoral phases, while street demonstrations contesting the announced results are a regular occurrence.
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