Vote counting officially started in Mozambique on Thursday following a national election marked by peaceful proceedings. Analysts predict that the ruling Frelimo party will extend its nearly half-century reign, which has lasted 49 years.
Votes are being tallied at polling stations first, with district results anticipated by Saturday. These results could provide an early indication of the leading candidate, while the electoral commission typically releases official results within two weeks.
The incoming president will face several significant challenges, including security issues in the northern region that have disrupted vital multi-billion dollar gas projects and displaced hundreds of thousands. Additionally, the new leader will need to address high national debt and the economic impact of increasingly severe cyclones.
Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, 47, is favored to win. Although his party has faced accusations of electoral fraud from opponents and independent observers, Frelimo has consistently denied these allegations. Joseph Hanlon, an advisor to the civil society organization Mais Integridade, highlighted concerns regarding vote manipulation at various levels, including inflated voter registrations in Frelimo’s strongholds and the appointment of loyalists as polling staff.
As of now, a Frelimo spokesperson has not responded to inquiries about the alleged electoral irregularities. Election monitoring missions, including those from the European Union, have reported no significant issues during the election process.
Chapo, who is a relatively new figure in Mozambican politics, would make history as the first president born after the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. He is seen as having a clean slate, distancing himself from previous corruption scandals associated with the party. His main competitor, independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, has energized the youth vote, while former rebel commander Ossufo Momade and Lutero Simango, leader of a minor opposition party, are also in the running to replace President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after serving the maximum of two terms.
