Mozambique Set to Swear in New Parliament Amidst Protests Over Rigged Election

Mozambique prepares to swear in its new parliament amidst protests over a disputed election. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane claims victory in the presidential vote, affecting the legitimacy of Daniel Chapo’s presidency. Renamo and MDM will boycott the swearing-in ceremony. Post-election violence has resulted in numerous fatalities and economic disruption.

Mozambique is poised to swear in a new parliament on Monday following months of violent protests sparked by claims of a rigged election held in October. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has urged his supporters to engage in peaceful demonstrations from Monday through Wednesday, coinciding with Daniel Chapo’s scheduled inauguration as president. Mondlane asserts that he secured the presidential vote; however, the electoral results, allegedly manipulated in favor of Chapo’s ruling Frelimo party, indicate otherwise.

Two opposition groups, Renamo and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), have announced their intention to boycott Monday’s parliamentary session, which will witness the swearing-in of new legislators. Renamo, which gained 28 of the 250 available seats, condemned the ceremony as a social outrage reflecting a disregard for what they deem the legitimate will of the Mozambican populace. MDM’s boycott signifies their alignment with the call for “electoral truth,” as stated by their representative.

Frelimo emerged victorious with 171 seats, while the Podemos party secured 43. Mondlane, who received the backing of Podemos, claims to have attained 53% of the presidential vote, contrasting sharply with the official results attributing him only 24% against Chapo’s 65%. Mondlane returned from exile last Thursday, seeking to assert his claims to the presidency. His return was met by a considerable rally of supporters which led to clashes with security forces, resulting in at least three fatalities, according to a local electoral monitor.

In a Facebook post made late Saturday, Mondlane announced a proposed national strike to take place over the following three days, emphasizing the necessity to “demonstrate our refusal” of the official election outcomes. He declared, “Let us demonstrate against the inauguration of those who betrayed the will of the people on Monday and against those who stole the will of the people on Wednesday.” The unrest following the election has reportedly resulted in approximately 300 deaths, with security forces accused of employing excessive force against protestors, including the use of live ammunition. The conflict has severely impacted Mozambique’s economy, disrupting trade and affecting sectors such as shipping, mining, and industry.

The ongoing political turmoil in Mozambique stems from the contentious elections held in October, where allegations of electoral fraud have sparked significant civil unrest. The ruling Frelimo party, which has dominated the political landscape for over five decades, is facing severe accusations from opposition factions regarding the legitimacy of the election process. The situation has escalated into violent confrontations, leading to numerous casualties and widespread calls for protest against the elected government. These events present not only a challenge to the country’s governance but also a detrimental impact on the national economy, manifesting in halted trade and disrupted key industries.

In summary, Mozambique is on the brink of swearing in a new parliament amidst deep political divisions and widespread unrest stemming from disputed electoral results. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane has galvanised his supporters to engage in protests, contesting the legitimacy of the newly elected government led by Daniel Chapo. The situation remains volatile, posing significant challenges to the country’s stability and economic growth as it grapples with the aftermath of a troubling election and ongoing violence.

Original Source: www.voanews.com