The campaign for Mozambique’s general elections, scheduled for October 9, kicked off on Saturday, August 24. The ruling party, Frelimo, which has held power since the country’s independence in 1975, is set to face off against its main rival, Renamo, a party that emerged from a former anti-communist rebellion.
An independent candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, is also entering the race and could potentially cause an upset. Key issues for voters include growing inequality and the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado.
While Frelimo has consistently refused to negotiate with jihadist groups, the opposition supports dialogue and focuses on addressing the social roots of the insurgency.
Wages and the cost of living are expected to be major topics of debate, as the gap between rural populations and urban elites in Mozambique continues to widen.
Current President Filipe Nyusi, in power since 2015, is ineligible for re-election. Frelimo has nominated Daniel Chapo as its candidate. Renamo, the main opposition, will be represented by Ossufo Momade.
Political analysts suggest that Venâncio Mondlane, the independent candidate, could disrupt the status quo and bring unexpected results to the election. On October 9, Mozambicans will also elect their parliamentarians and provincial authority representatives.