The candidate defeated in the presidential election says he knows the risks to his own life, but returns to defend democracy, freedom and political participation. Venâncio Mondlane thanks Portugal for its solidarity and asks for continued support in this return.
In a letter addressed to Portuguese party leaders, Venâncio Mondlane, who explains that the challenge to the official results of the elections, held on October 9th, is a completed stage.
Mondlane does not accept defeat, despite what he says are the irregularities and fraud that gave the presidential victory to the ruling party and its candidate, Daniel Chapo.
He was forced to go into exile
However, Mondlane, the man challenging Frelimo, decided to change his strategy.
In November, he left Mozambique not only because “there were three assassination attempts against himself”, but also because “the lawyer and an agent of the Podemos leader were killed”. Therefore, he adds in the letter, “he was forced to resort to exile as a way of safeguarding his personal and family security.”
The plane that will take Mondlane to Maputo is scheduled to land this Thursday at 8am in the Mozambican capital, when it is only 6am in Lisbon, the capital of a country to which Venâncio Mondlane thanks its solidarity and asks for continued support on this return.
The former presidential candidate explains that “despite the associated risks, he made the decision to return to the country to continue closely defending democratic values and the rights of Mozambicans to exercise freedom and political participation.”
The violent atmosphere in the streets remains
The winner of the elections, Daniel Chapo, is scheduled to take office on January 15th. Two days before the investiture of the 250 deputies of parliament takes place.
On the streets, the violent climate of protest and police repression continues.
