Africa-Press – Mozambique. The election results in Mozambique are generating tensions and protests, with the main opposition party, Renamo, calling for national protests. But one political analyst has told DW that street demonstrations will not alter the results already announced.
The intermediate results of the municipal elections in Mozambique reported an overwhelming victory for Frelimo, which won 64 of the 65 municipalities contested. Renamo, the largest opposition party, lost all eight municipalities it had won in 2018.
Renamo leader Ossufo Momade vehemently rejected these results, stating: “We will not accept these results.” He called for a national demonstration for October 17 to protest what he considers unfair results. Momade emphasised that the demonstration must be peaceful, but warned that its nature would depend on the regime’s response.
Renamo alleges that the vote count was manipulated and claims to have won in several municipalities, including Nampula, Quelimane, Vilanculo, Angoche, Nacala, Ilha de Moçambique, Matola, Marracuene and Maputo. Renamo also expressed surprise at the silence of the diplomatic corps in Mozambique and asked them to speak out against what the party considers the annihilation of democracy.
But political analyst Gil Anibal believes that the street demonstrations will not change the results already announced, arguing that electoral legislation offers legal ways for political parties to voice complaints.
The Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) also claims that the electoral process was rigged and is taking legal action to contest the results. Party president Lutero Simango emphasises that they are acting in this way to protect and respect citizens’ votes.
The Mozambican Bar Association (OAM) and the Mais Integridade Consórcio describe the electoral process as marked by abuses and excessive police violence, revealing a lack of trust in the institutions that administer the electoral process.
Ernesto Junior highlights the latent tension in the country and emphasises the need for fair and transparent elections as a means of managing the current conflict.
Source: Mozambique
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