Demonstrations have been called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who does not recognize the results initially announced by the National Elections Commission
The Ministry of the Interior of Mozambique states that at least 21 people have died since the start of the protests in Mozambique, which began after the official announcement by the Constitutional Council of the results of the general elections that confirmed Frelimo as the winner.
According to a previous report by Decide, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) that monitors electoral processes in Mozambique, with data from December 23 and 24, until 1:30 pm local time (two hours less in Lisbon), the provinces of Nampula, Zambézia and Sofala , north and center of the country, each recorded four deaths, in addition to two in Tete and two in the province and city of Maputo.
There are also records of 42 people shot, of which 15 in the southern city of Maputo and 11 in Nampula, but also 73 arrests, including 37 in the Mozambican capital and 17 in Sofala.
These demonstrations and strikes, which since October 21st – the balance before Monday – had already caused the death of at least 120 people, have been called by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who does not recognize the results initially announced by the Electoral Court (CNE) and now proclaimed by the Constitutional Council, which gives it around 24% of the votes.
In addition to Venâncio Mondlane, Ossufo Momade, leader of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo, until now the largest opposition party) and Lutero Simango, president of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM, third parliamentary force), both presidential candidates, announced that they do not recognize the election results.
The proclamation of these results by the Constitutional Council confirmed the victory of Daniel Chapo, a 47-year-old jurist, current Frelimo general secretary announced on October 24 by the CNE, but at the time with 70.67%.
“The time has come to think calmly and serenely about the best way to create a democratic reality that represents the richness and diversity of the country. This dialogue is key to overcoming our differences”, stated Chapo, shortly after announcing the results.
