Mozambique is on edge as the Constitutional Council prepares to announce its final decision on the contested October 9 elections on Monday, Bloomberg reports.
The ruling comes amidst heightened tensions and widespread protests sparked by allegations of fraud by opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who has warned of “chaos” if the court upholds the results.
The National Electoral Commission declared Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party the winner with 71% of the vote, extending the party’s 49-year reign. Mondlane, who secured 20%, rejected the results and has since led protests that have turned deadly. At least 130 people have reportedly died in the unrest, with police using live ammunition to disperse demonstrators, according to local observer group Decide Platform.
Mondlane, who has been orchestrating the protests from an undisclosed location after fleeing the country following the fatal shooting of his lawyer, has paused demonstrations in recent days after a deadly cyclone struck the country. His message has been consistent: Monday’s ruling will determine whether Mozambique will descend into chaos or find a path to peace.
The Constitutional Council, the country’s highest electoral court, is scheduled to make its final and unappealable decision after 3 pm in Maputo. The ruling is seen as a critical moment for the nation, with many fearing a potential escalation of violence if the initial results are validated.
The protests have already had a significant impact on Mozambique’s economy. Operations at the main port in Maputo have been disrupted, and activity has been curtailed at mines and the region’s largest aluminum smelter. The main land crossing with South Africa has also experienced repeated closures, impacting exports of vital commodities like chrome and iron ore.
Mondlane’s party, Podemos, has submitted evidence to the Constitutional Council, claiming to prove widespread fraud. Their allegations are supported by independent observers, including from the European Union, who have also raised concerns over potential manipulation and ballot-box stuffing.
Frelimo has denied all accusations of rigging the vote.
