Mozambique Braces for Constitutional Council’s Verdict on Disputed Election Results

Mozambique is on edge as the Constitutional Council prepares to announce its final decision today at 3PM on the disputed results of the general elections held on October 9. The ruling could determine whether the country moves towards peace or plunges deeper into chaos.

The election has been fraught with controversy with opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane who claims that he won the presidential vote, has rejected the official results that declared Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the long-dominant Frelimo party, the winner with 70.67% of the vote. Mondlane secured 20.32%, while Renamo leader Ossufo Momade and MDM leader Lutero Simango received 5.81% and 3.21%, respectively.

In the parliamentary race, Frelimo solidified its control with 195 deputies, gaining 11 seats. The Podemos party emerged as the largest opposition bloc with 31 deputies. Frelimo, which has ruled Mozambique since its independence in 1975, has been accused by opposition parties of election rigging to maintain its hold on power.

The disputed results have sparked an unprecedented wave of protests across the country witnessing 130 people having been killed, and many others injured in the violence. Mondlane, who has sought refuge abroad citing threats to his safety, has threatened to call for a “popular uprising” if the Constitutional Council upholds the results.

As tensions escalate, fears of further violence loom large. The council’s decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for Mozambique’s stability. The international community has called for calm and urged the council to ensure transparency and fairness in its ruling.

For Mozambicans, the coming hours will be decisive, as the nation waits to see whether the verdict will pave the way for reconciliation or deepen the divisions threatening its fragile peace.

By Letshani Ngwenya