Protests have erupted once again in Mozambique after the country’s constitutional court confirmed the ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner of the controversial October presidential election. The court’s decision, announced this past weekend, has further intensified tensions, leading to violent demonstrations and confrontations with security forces.
The unrest follows preliminary results announced in October that already triggered deadly protests. This time, the protests are reignited by the court’s ruling, which, while upholding Chapo’s victory, reduced his margin from an initial 71% to 65%, compared to his closest rival Venâncio Mondlane’s revised 24%. The ruling has done little to quell allegations of electoral manipulation or restore confidence in the process.
Calls for Resistance and Deadly Clashes
Mondlane, an evangelical pastor and opposition leader, has been at the forefront of challenging the election results. From his self-imposed exile, he continues to call on his supporters to protest what he terms a “rigged vote” in favor of Frelimo, the ruling party that has maintained power since Mozambique’s independence 49 years ago. In a social media message over the weekend, Mondlane warned of a potential “new popular uprising” if the election results were not overturned.
On Monday, protesters responded to Mondlane’s call by taking to the streets. Demonstrators chanted his name, burned tires, and barricaded roads in parts of Maputo. Police confronted the protesters with tear gas, leading to violent clashes. Local monitoring group Plataforma Decide reports that at least 110 people have died since demonstrations began on October 21, with allegations that many were killed by security forces. Police commander Bernadino Rafael, however, has defended the actions of his officers, claiming they acted in self-defense after coming under attack.
International Observers and Electoral Irregularities
International election observers have described the October poll as flawed, citing evidence of doctored numbers and irregularities in the vote-counting process. These findings have fueled public skepticism toward the electoral commission, which has steadfastly denied accusations of bias or vote-rigging.
Despite Mondlane’s assertions that the election was neither free nor fair, the constitutional court’s ruling effectively seals Chapo’s presidency. The court’s acknowledgment of reduced margins did little to appease critics, as the revised results still left Chapo with a significant lead.
A City Paralyzed by Protests
The ongoing protests have paralyzed parts of Mozambique, particularly the greater Maputo area. Once bustling streets and marketplaces have been replaced by eerie silence as businesses shut down and residents stay indoors. The volatile situation underscores the deep political and social divisions that have only widened since the contested election.
Pope Francis, in a message on Sunday to the predominantly Catholic nation, urged dialogue and a collective pursuit of the common good. However, the path to reconciliation remains unclear as Mondlane’s discussions with outgoing President Filipe Nyusi have yet to yield tangible results.
A Nation at a Crossroads
The violence underscores the fragile state of Mozambique’s democracy and raises questions about the country’s ability to conduct free and fair elections. Frelimo’s continued dominance, combined with allegations of election fraud, has deepened public distrust in the government and its institutions.
Mondlane’s defiance and the public’s willingness to protest despite the risks signal a growing desire for political change. However, the heavy-handed response by security forces and the lack of accountability for reported abuses highlight the challenges of achieving such change peacefully.
As Mozambique faces mounting domestic and international scrutiny, the resolution of this crisis will test the resilience of its democratic structures and the government’s commitment to upholding the will of its people. For now, the streets of Maputo and other cities remain battlegrounds in a struggle for political legitimacy and justice.
