Mozambique’s election officials announced Thursday that the ruling party, Frelimo, has won the country’s contentious elections, securing its five-decade hold on power. Daniel Chapo, the party’s candidate, will succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after serving two terms. Frelimo has governed Mozambique since its independence from Portugal in 1975, and the outcome was widely anticipated.
The electoral commission reported that Chapo won 70% of the vote, while his closest rival, Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party, received 20%. Mondlane surpassed the opposition party Renamo, whose candidate finished third this time.
Despite the victory, the elections have been marred by accusations of fraud and vote rigging. Election observers and opposition parties, including the European Union, expressed concerns over the integrity of the polls, citing “irregularities during counting and unjustified alteration of election results.” Violent protests erupted in several towns following the announcement of the results, with police using live rounds and tear gas to disperse demonstrations.
Podemos’ leader, Mondlane, called for nationwide strikes in protest of the alleged fraud, further escalating tensions. Last week, two key Podemos figures, including the party’s lawyer and Mondlane’s advisor, were shot dead in Maputo by unknown assailants, raising fears of more violent clashes.
Mondlane has until December to contest the results, while Chapo is set to be sworn in as president in January. In addition to the presidential race, Frelimo also secured a majority in Mozambique’s parliamentary and provincial elections, further consolidating its political control.