On November 2, protests erupted across Mozambique, including in the capital, Maputo, as demonstrators clashed with police over the contested presidential election results. Hundreds gathered in the streets to protest the victory of ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo, who won with nearly 71% of the vote in the October 9 election, which the opposition claims was “stolen” and marred by widespread irregularities, according to international observers.
In Maputo, police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd, journalists reported. Meanwhile, similar clashes unfolded in the northern province of Nampula, where hundreds of residents protested. Local taxi driver Constantino Jose noted that around 500 people gathered in the city of Nampula, blocking streets and prompting police to respond with tear gas and live rounds.
Civil society group Plataforma Decide described the situation as “chaotic” in parts of Nampula, particularly in the city’s major marketplace, Arresta. In Namialo, 95 km from Nampula, over 100 protesters burned tires, with a heavy police presence deployed to control the unrest. Reports indicate at least nine people were injured by either tear gas or bullets, though details remain unconfirmed.
Venancio Mondlane, the main opposition candidate who finished second with 20% of the vote, has called for a nationwide strike and ongoing protests until November 7. The opposition has appealed to Mozambique’s Constitutional Council for a vote recount, with the court requesting electoral commission records from six provinces and Maputo.
The anti-corruption organization Public Integrity Center labeled the election as “the most fraudulent since 1999,” while the European Union’s observer mission also reported “unjustified alterations of results” in about one-third of the observed vote counts.
