Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has endorsed the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October’s fiercely contested general elections, igniting widespread unrest and accusations of electoral fraud from opposition groups.
The court’s decision, announced on Monday, solidifies Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo’s decisive presidential win and grants the party a stronger majority in parliament. Opposition leaders and international observers have criticized the elections, citing widespread irregularities and voter suppression. Western observers labeled the process neither free nor fair, while Frelimo has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The endorsement has triggered significant backlash, with protests erupting across the nation. Violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces have claimed the lives of at least 130 people, according to Plataforma Decide, a civil society organization monitoring the unrest. The protests represent the largest wave of public opposition to Frelimo’s rule since the party led Mozambique to independence in 1975.
Venancio Mondlane, the main opposition leader and former presidential candidate, has rejected the court’s ruling and fled the country, citing threats to his safety. Mondlane claims that an independent vote tally shows he won the election and has called for a “popular uprising” to challenge the legitimacy of the results. In a statement, he warned of “dark days ahead” and urged Mozambicans to resist what he described as an illegitimate regime.
Tensions are particularly high in the capital, Maputo, where businesses remain shuttered, and heavily armed police have barricaded key roads to prevent further protests. The streets are largely deserted, reflecting the public’s fear of escalating violence.
Despite the turmoil, Daniel Chapo, 47, is set to take office on January 15, succeeding outgoing President Filipe Nyusi. As Mozambique’s first leader born after independence, Chapo faces significant challenges, including uniting a deeply divided nation and restoring public trust in the electoral system.
The unfolding crisis underscores the fragility of Mozambique’s democratic institutions and the growing frustration with Frelimo’s decades-long dominance. Observers warn that failure to address grievances could lead to prolonged instability in a country already grappling with economic hardships and security challenges in its northern regions.