The post-electoral protest could further intensify in Mozambique, where riot scenes broke out on Monday, December 23, after the final validation by the Constitutional Council of the results of the general elections of October 9. The elected president, Daniel Chapo, candidate of Fremlimo, the historic ruling party, called on all Mozambicans to “ work together », while opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who left Mozambique for security reasons, continues to claim victory. He called on his supporters Monday evening to “ continue the fight “.
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Despite two months of popular protest, the Constitutional Council has indeed confirmed the victory of Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate in power since 1975. He won 65.17% of the votes, a score reduced by almost five points, compared to to that which was initially announced by the electoral commission. Opponent Venâncio Mondlane recorded 24.19% of the votes.
Daniel Chapo calls for dialogue
“ I appeal to all social strata of our country, in particular to youth and activists of all political stripes. I assure you that your voice has been heard and we will work to fundamentally renovate our electoral system. We must build a new democratic architecture that responds to the aspirations of our society and not just partisan interests “, declared President-elect Daniel Chapo.
I am ready to lead this reform process. I want to take this opportunity to say that the time has come to reflect together, calmly, on the creation of an inclusive democratic reality, which will represent all the richness and diversity of our country. It is in our diversity that our strength is found. Dialogue is the key to overcoming our differences.
President-elect Daniel Chapo
Also readMozambique: ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo declared winner of presidential election
Venâncio Mondlane calls on his supporters to “continue the fight”
This Tuesday, December 24, the Mozambican capital of Maputo is still frozen in tension. The population unleashed its anger on Monday evening after the announcement of the results: shops, banks, supermarkets were ransacked, and roadblocks set on fire, covering the capital with thick smoke.
Similar scenes took place in the northern towns of the country – Nampula, Zambezia, Cabo Del Gado – where opposition is strong. The post-election protests have already left at least 130 dead in two months.
Venâncio Mondlane, who is abroad, fearing for his safety, continues to affirm his victory and his determination to continue the protest. “ This is a serious moment. Either we change our country now, or we agree to comply with the announcements of the Constitutional Council, but this amounts to accepting the legalization of theft, of electoral fraud, the legalization of the humiliation of the people themselves. We Mozambicans must prepare ourselves for the difficult days ahead “, he said Monday evening.
It is these difficult times that will allow us to write a new page of history. The history of men is not only paved with roses, it is not only made up of moments of happiness and pleasure, it is also written in difficult times. But the truth is that victory is guaranteed to us. To all of you in these circumstances, just know that we will emerge victorious.
Opponent Venancio Mondlane: “These are difficult times which will allow us to write a new page of history”
Washington said to himself: worried ” of ” lack of transparency » observed during these general elections in Mozambique. “ The United States calls on all stakeholders to refrain from violence and engage in meaningful collaboration to restore peace and promote unity », Warned American diplomacy.
The European Union says itself “ extremely concerned » with post-election violence and the number « considerable » loss of human life so far and calls for “ accountability » of its actors.
According to the NGO Decide, at least 16 people have died and 42 injured by bullets since Monday evening, December 23, in demonstrations protesting the results.
Also readMozambique: the Constitutional Council ratifies the victory of Daniel Chapo in the presidential election