Mozambique court upholds disputed election as unrest escalates

Mozambique’s constitutional council confirmed the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October 9 presidential election, solidifying Daniel Chapo’s presidency amid ongoing protests over allegations of vote rigging. The court’s decision follows more than two months of unrest that has shaken the nation and raised questions about the legitimacy of its electoral process.

Chapo, representing the Frelimo party, officially secured 65.2% of the vote, constitutional council chair Lúcia Ribeiro announced at a press briefing. The figure is a reduction from the election commission’s initial report of 70.7% but still surpasses the 50% majority needed for victory. Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition leader from the Podemos party, received 24.2% of the vote, an increase from the previously announced 20.3%. However, Mondlane claims he won the election outright, a position he maintains despite the council’s ruling.

Ribeiro acknowledged “discrepancies” in vote counting at the district level but stopped short of detailing their nature. The council also accused Podemos of inflating figures in its formal challenge to the election outcome. Critics have pointed out that the council’s members are largely appointed by Frelimo, fueling concerns about impartiality.

Protest tensions escalate
The ruling comes as Mozambique grapples with widespread unrest. Protests against the election results have paralyzed parts of the economy and resulted in at least 130 deaths at the hands of security forces, according to Human Rights Watch. Demonstrators have accused authorities of using excessive force, with images of burning tires and deserted streets patrolled by armed officers dominating local news coverage.

International election observers have reported evidence of irregularities, including ballot tampering, but some have cautioned that a fair election might not have secured Mondlane a victory.

“Even without discrepancies, it is unclear if Mondlane’s support among young, urban voters would have been enough to challenge Frelimo’s rural stronghold,” said Alex Vines, head of the Africa Program at Chatham House and a member of the Commonwealth election observer team.

Adding to the nation’s turmoil, northern Mozambique was struck by Cyclone Chido on December 15, leaving 120 people dead and an estimated 110,000 homes destroyed.

Calls for calm and conflict
Before the ruling, Mondlane urged his supporters to stay home as part of a nonviolent protest campaign he dubbed “Turbo V8.” In a video statement, he implored followers to avoid violence but issued a stark warning about the consequences of the court’s decision.

“If we get electoral truth, we will have peace. If we get electoral lies, we will push the country into chaos and disorder,” Mondlane said.

Following the announcement, tensions flared in urban centers, with sporadic acts of arson reported. Government forces maintained a heavy presence in key areas, quelling larger gatherings but failing to prevent isolated skirmishes.

Frelimo’s response and future reforms
Addressing a crowd of cheering supporters, Chapo promised to prioritize electoral reforms and national dialogue.

“Dialogue is the only way to build social harmony,” Chapo said, without elaborating on specific plans. He is set to take office on January 15, marking the start of his term as Mozambique’s president.

While Frelimo has maintained political dominance since Mozambique’s independence in 1975, analysts say the party is facing unprecedented challenges. Mondlane’s populist appeal has energized a disenfranchised youth base, challenging the ruling party’s long-standing grip on power.

“Historically, Mozambique has been a weak state propped up by a dominant party,” Vines explained. “Now, both the state and the party are under strain, facing a charismatic populist who has tapped into widespread frustration and anger.”

The constitutional council’s ruling was widely expected, but its implications signal a shifting political landscape in Mozambique. For now, the country remains on edge, with both sides vowing to push forward in an environment fraught with tension and uncertainty.