South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for aggrieved political parties in Mozambique to utilise legal channels to address their grievances following the preliminary results of the country’s general elections held on October 9.
Ramaphosa congratulated President-Elect Daniel Chapo and his ruling party, FRELIMO, which has reinforced its dominance in Mozambique’s political landscape.
According to the National Electoral Commission (CNE), FRELIMO secured over 70 percent of the presidential vote and achieved significant majorities in the national parliament and all 10 provincial assemblies.
However, the results have faced scrutiny as the CNE has not disclosed polling station-level data, despite requests from both national and international observers.
The election has been characterized by a notably low voter turnout, with only 43.48 percent of the 17.2 million registered voters participating.
In some provinces such as Nampula, abstention rates was as high as 71 percent.
Independent candidate Venancio Mondlane claimed to have conducted a parallel vote count indicating his victory, yet he too has not provided the necessary polling station results to substantiate his claims.
Ramaphosa expressed concern at the recent deaths of political activists Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe and called for swift investigations into the circumstances leading to their demise.
He emphasized the importance of calm and restraint, encouraging all parties to seek resolution through established legal remedies.
