Mozambique’s opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has vowed to continue his fight for what he believes was a stolen victory in the October elections, urging his supporters to take to the streets in protest. The call for a “national strike” comes as the newly-elected parliament is set to convene on Monday, with Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo expected to be inaugurated as the country’s next president on Wednesday.
Chapo, a 48-year-old former governor with no prior experience in national government, is poised to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, as Frelimo consolidates its power with another term. In a Facebook post late Saturday, Mondlane, leader of the opposition, expressed his outrage, stating that the results of the election were rigged and that his victory was unjustly denied.
“These three days are pivotal in deciding the future Mozambique deserves. We must unite and declare a national strike, halting all activities during this critical period,” Mondlane wrote.
Mondlane further called for peaceful protests to demonstrate opposition to the election results, framing the upcoming parliamentary sessions as a betrayal of the people’s will. The leader condemned the expected swearing-in of elected officials, warning that their action would “betray the voice of the people.”
The country’s highest court recently confirmed the parliamentary seat distribution, officially awarding Frelimo 171 seats. The Podemos party, a key opposition group, won 43 seats, while Renamo, a historically significant opposition party with roots in Mozambique’s civil war, secured 28 seats. The MDM party, another opposition group, took 8 seats.
As the inauguration of the new parliament looms, Mondlane has called on his supporters to protest both the actions of the incoming leadership and what he perceives as the theft of the people’s vote. “Let us demonstrate our refusal on Monday and show that the people will not stand for the betrayal that will take place,” he declared.
With tensions rising ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, the next few days are set to be crucial in shaping the political landscape of Mozambique and determining whether the opposition can rally enough support to challenge the results of the election.