Dozens killed as Mozambique faces violent protests over election rigging
- The Constitutional Council is expected to announce its ruling on disputed election results from October 2024.
- Venâncio Mondlane, in exile, claims to have won the election and has called for demonstrations against the ruling party.
- The unfolding situation reflects deep political unrest, leading to over 130 deaths and calls for uprisings if the results are validated.
Mozambique is experiencing heightened tension as the Constitutional Council approaches a key ruling regarding the results of the disputed presidential election held on October 9, 2024. Following allegations of vote rigging, which led to widespread protests, the atmosphere in Maputo is charged with uncertainty. Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition candidate who claims to have actually won the election, has repeatedly rejected the official results that show him with only 20% of the vote against the ruling Frelimo party's candidate, Daniel Chapo, who reportedly received around 71%. Throughout November and December, protests erupted across the country, some escalating into violent confrontations with security forces. These protests were sparked by Mondlane's claims, along with observations from international monitors, that the elections were marred by irregularities. Protesters have faced severe crackdowns, reportedly resulting in over 130 deaths, primarily attributed to police actions. Many citizens expressed their frustrations through acts of defiance, including road blockades and attacks on government institutions. Mondlane, currently in exile due to fears for his safety and under the threat of violence, has called for his supporters to prepare for a potential uprising if the council sanctions the election results. He believes such a validation would simply endorse the alleged manipulation of the democratic process. In his messages through social media, he urges prayers and a united stand against what he deems an unjust system, emphasizing the dire consequences of the court’s ruling. The outgoing president, Filipe Nyusi, has stated his commitment to stepping down as planned, but his administration faces severe criticism regarding its handling of the electoral disputes and civil unrest. In the context of political strife where the ruling party has maintained power since Mozambique's independence in 1975, the question of legitimacy looms large. As the Constitutional Council prepares for its announcement, the potential for further violence and national instability remains a grave concern.