Mozambican opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane has warned of widespread unrest unless the Constitutional Council officially declares him the winner of the disputed 9 October presidential election. In a dramatic live broadcast from an undisclosed location, Mondlane issued the ultimatum, claiming the country would face chaos unless the country’s highest electoral authority rules in his favor.
Mondlane, leader of the opposition party Podemos, directly addressed the Chairperson of the Constitutional Council, Lucia Ribeiro, stating that the future of Mozambique’s peace and stability now rests with her decision. The candidate argued that the Council’s verdict on the election results would determine whether the country moves forward in peace or descends into turmoil.
The candidate has also called for a nationwide general strike on 23 December, the date he expects the Constitutional Council to announce the final, definitive results of the election. Mondlane urged Mozambicans to halt all activities—excluding essential services such as healthcare—until the Council delivers its verdict. This includes halting work, transportation, and public gatherings to ensure nationwide attention to the Council’s decision.
Despite the lack of public evidence to back his claims, Mondlane has repeatedly insisted that he won the 9 October presidential election by a wide margin. He further contends that his party, Podemos, achieved a commanding majority in the country’s parliament. Mondlane claims to have copies of polling station results that support his victory but has not made them public.
Mondlane continues to push for his installation as president on 15 January, contingent upon the Constitutional Council declaring him the official winner, but this appears increasingly unlikely. Preliminary results published by the National Elections Commission (CNE) on 24 October show that the ruling Frelimo Party, led by incumbent presidential candidate Daniel Chapo, secured an overwhelming victory with over 70% of the vote. Mondlane and his supporters, however, have categorically rejected these results, alleging massive fraud in the election process.
Should the Constitutional Council refuse to declare Mondlane the winner, the opposition leader has warned of an escalation of protests. He has dubbed these potential protests “Turbo V8” but has not provided further details on what form they might take. Mondlane has placed the responsibility for any future unrest squarely on the shoulders of Lucia Ribeiro and the six other judges on the Constitutional Council, accusing them of standing in the way of justice and democracy.
Alongside his electoral demands, Mondlane has called for the suspension of toll collections throughout Mozambique, particularly those levied on the Maputo Bay suspension bridge. He has also ordered a temporary halt to all mining operations in the country. Additionally, Mondlane is demanding that informal traders crossing from South Africa be allowed to do so without paying customs duties. These measures, if implemented, could significantly disrupt the economy, already reeling from months of political instability and social unrest.
Despite the escalating political tension, Mondlane has assured citizens that no protests will take place this week. In a bid to shift focus away from the growing political crisis, he has called for a week of “mourning and prayer” to honor the victims of Cyclone Chido, which devastated Cabo Delgado province last weekend. He has also urged the nation to mourn the 130 people killed in recent violent clashes with police, many of whom were reportedly involved in protests.
Mondlane has called on all citizens to participate in daily moments of reflection between 13:00 and 13:15, stopping whatever they are doing to pray and sing the national anthem. This call for a week of mourning and prayer is seen as an attempt to unite the nation in the face of national tragedies and growing political uncertainty.
Contrary to Mondlane’s claims, there is no formal deadline for the Constitutional Council to validate the election results. While 23 December is a potential date for the final announcement, the Council has the discretion to postpone its decision if necessary. The authorities have not yet issued any official response to Mondlane’s threats, and the situation remains tense.
Mondlane, who has been living abroad for the past two months due to fears of arrest, was recently told by the President of the Supreme Court, Adelino Muchanga, that no warrant for his arrest currently exists. Muchanga confirmed that Mondlane could return to Mozambique at any time without facing immediate detention, a statement that could signal a potential return for the opposition leader if he chooses to do so.
With the election results still in dispute, the political crisis in Mozambique shows no signs of abating. As the country grapples with growing tensions and uncertainty, the international community is closely monitoring the unfolding situation.