Mozambique’s ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo, has been declared the winner of the country’s presidential election, The Associated Press reports.
However, the opposition has rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities.
Chapo, representing the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party, reportedly secured 70.67% of the vote, while independent candidate Venancio Mondlane came in second with 20.32%. Ossufo Momade, the candidate for the main opposition party, Renamo, trailed in third place with 5.81%.
Frelimo has now extended its nearly five-decade grip on power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The election, held on October 9, was marred by allegations of fraud and intimidation, with the opposition denouncing the process as “systematic deceit.”
Lutero Simango, representing the opposition Mozambique Democratic Movement, has announced that his party will challenge the results in court. The Constitutional Council will have the final say on the election outcome after considering any appeals filed by the opposition.
Chapo’s victory speech was overshadowed by the recent killings of two opposition figures and ongoing strikes organized by the opposition. He condemned the killings and criticized the strikes.
Despite the declared victory, Chapo faces daunting challenges. The country is battling an extremist insurgency affiliated with the Islamic State group in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and led to severe humanitarian suffering.
Mozambique also grapples with high unemployment, food insecurity, and natural disasters such as drought. According to the United Nations, 1.3 million people face severe food shortages.
Frelimo has faced accusations of election rigging in the past, which the party has repeatedly denied. The European Union’s observer mission raised concerns about irregularities in the electoral process, including hindered monitoring and altered results in some areas.
