Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed on November 20, 2024, the controversial election results asserting Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party as the new president. Chapo, who secured 65.17% of the votes, succeeds Filipe Nyusi, who stepped down after two terms. This announcement, though, has ignited intense protests across the nation, especially from supporters of his main rival, Venâncio Mondlane.
The Council’s president, Lúcia Ribeiro, declared, “Daniel Francisco Chapo is proclaimed elected President of the Republic of Mozambique,” after acknowledging irregularities during the electoral process, but asserting they did not influence the result. The elections were fraught with tension, as initial reports from the National Election Commission (CNE) had previously indicated Chapo received approximately 70.67% of votes. The discrepancy resulted in mounting unrest following the initial announcement on October 24.
Mondlane's party, the Extraparliamentary Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), challenged the results vehemently. He stated the true tally gave him 53% of the vote and claimed the elections had been manipulated to favor Frelimo, which has maintained control since Mozambique’s independence from Portugal in 1975. The October elections also took place amid broader legislative contests, with Frelimo retaining its majority, confirmed by the Constitutional Council’s December ruling.
The repeated calls for protests by Mondlane have led to violence, with police clashes resulting in tragic casualties. Human rights organizations report at least 130 people have died as protests escalated, leading to clashes with security forces who reportedly used live ammunition. "Difficult days will come,” Mondlane warned, anticipating heightened extremity following the announcement. His warnings seem prescient as protests have erupted anew, with demonstrators chanting his name and burning tires.
This election's controversy is layered with discontent, especially among the nation’s youth, who constitute about 56% of Mozambique’s population. High unemployment levels and growing economic frustrations have led to increasing disdain for Frelimo's governance. Following the election, protests have become focal points for youth activism against what they perceive as decades of failed leadership and corruption.
The nature of the protests has alarmed many observers, as the response from the authorities also raised serious concerns about governance and human rights. Amnesty International and other rights groups have highlighted excessive use of force. According to them, many of the deceased during these clashes were non-violent demonstrators, with the police maintaining their stance they were acting defensively.
Pope Francis, addressing the country publicly, has appealed for dialogue and common good, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and peace. Yet, the streets remain turbulent, with Mondlane himself now reportedly in exile due to threats against his life and previous attempts on those close to him, including the murders of two Podemos leaders.
The fallout from these protests also has economic ramifications. The International Monetary Fund recently downgraded Mozambique’s growth forecast from 5% to 4.3%, citing political instability and the impact of severe weather events like Cyclone Chido. Businesses, particularly those thriving on tourism, have reported significant losses due to cancellations and heightened concerns over safety.
Consequently, the street scenes show the stark divide: On the one hand, Chapo exclaims he will work to improve citizens' lives, but many on the streets feel neglected and betrayed by years of Frelimo rule. “The will of the people was obliterated,” Judite Simao, spokesperson for Mondlane, echoed the widespread sentiment, reflective of disillusionment with the political establishment.
Looking forward, the challenges for both Chapo and the Frelimo party remain formidable. With continuous calls for demonstrations and evidence of public discontent, forecasts of stability seem dim. Observers warn this may devolve, not just as protests, but as broader civil unrest driven by deep-seated frustrations among the populace eager for change.
