Concerns Rise Over Mozambique’s Election Integrity Amid Violence and Fraud Allegations

European Union observers have reported significant irregularities in Mozambique’s recent elections, claiming there was “unjustified alteration” of results. The situation escalated as presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane accused security forces of murdering his lawyer, Elvino Dias, following the elections. Protests against alleged fraud have erupted, prompting international condemnation for the violence and calls for accountability.

The European Union election observers have identified instances of “unjustified alteration” in the results of Mozambique’s recent general elections, amidst allegations from presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane that government forces were involved in the murder of his lawyer, Elvino Dias. This unsettling development followed protests held by Mozambicans against purported electoral fraud that occurred during the October 9 elections. The EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) released a statement acknowledging irregularities during the vote counting process, calling attention to alterations that occurred both at polling stations and at the district level. The observers urged local election authorities to ensure that the ballot counting process is conducted with transparency and credibility, guaranteeing the ability to trace results back to their origins. In a video shared on social media, Mr. Mondlane explicitly stated that security personnel executed his lawyer, asserting, “This was a crime committed by the Defence and Security Forces. There’s no doubt about it. The special forces killed Elvino [Dias].” This statement was accompanied by a chilling claim that his own life was under threat: “There is a price on my head.” Mr. Dias was reportedly preparing to challenge the preliminary election results, which favored the ruling Frelimo party, when he was fatally shot, alongside a colleague, in Maputo. Witnesses recounted that their vehicle was surrounded before the shooting occurred. In light of these harrowing events, EU observers have called for restraint from all parties, condemning the killings of both Dias and Paulo Guambe, who was also slain. The United States has reacted similarly, demanding a thorough investigation into the murders and accountability for those responsible. The US remains the largest bilateral donor to Mozambique, contributing over $560 million in aid annually. The upcoming official election results are expected soon, with Mr. Mondlane urging his supporters to “paralyse the country” in protest against the anticipated inaccurate outcome. Frelimo, which has held power since Mozambique’s independence, is expected to maintain its position, with party candidate Daniel Chapo poised as the likely victor in the election.

The political landscape in Mozambique has been tumultuous, characterized by allegations of electoral misconduct and violence against opposition figures. The recent general elections on October 9, which included both presidential and parliamentary contests, have drawn significant national and international scrutiny. Accusations of fraud have sparked public outrage, leading to protests across the country. The EU’s electoral observation mission highlights serious concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process, as well as the safety of political opponents, amid a backdrop of government malfeasance and systemic political violence.

In conclusion, the alarming allegations regarding the alteration of election results in Mozambique, combined with the tragic assassination of an opposition lawyer, underscore a grave crisis within the country’s political realm. Calls for transparency and accountability are central to restoring public trust, as local and international stakeholders advocate for justice in light of recent violent events. The outcome of the elections and the responses of both the government and civil society will be pivotal in shaping the future of democratic governance in Mozambique.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com