EUROPEAN Union (EU) election observers have reported evidence of vote tampering in Mozambique’s recent election, as unrest continues to spread across the country. The EU’s observer mission revealed irregularities during vote counting and alleged that election results had been altered at polling stations and district levels. These revelations come as opposition protests, led by independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, gain momentum following the fatal shooting of two of his aides.
Protests and violence erupt
Thousands of protesters took to the streets on Monday, following Mondlane’s accusations that security forces were responsible for the killings of his lawyer, Elvino Dias, and political associate Paulo Guambe. Both men were shot dead while travelling together in a car on Friday. Mondlane has accused Mozambique’s special forces of committing the murders, a claim the security services deny. ‘This was a crime committed by the defence and security forces. There’s no doubt about it,’ Mondlane said.
The opposition candidate, who enjoys the backing of the Podemos party, has declared himself the winner of the election and alleges widespread election fraud. On Monday, police in the capital, Maputo, responded to protests with live ammunition, tear gas, armoured vehicles, and police dogs. Demonstrators in Maputo and other major cities, including Beira and Nampula, set up barricades, blocked roads with burning tyres, and clashed with the police.
Footage from the protests showed Mondlane and journalists running for cover as shots were fired. In total, at least 16 people were injured, with many being taken to hospital. Several arrests were also reported as unrest continued to escalate.
Fraud allegations and international pressure
The EU observer mission has called on Mozambique’s electoral authorities to ensure transparency during the tabulation process. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the EU urged electoral bodies to “conduct the tabulation process in a transparent and credible manner, ensuring the traceability of polling station results.”
The US-based International Republican Institute (IRI), which also sent observers to the election, reported several concerning practices, including vote-buying, inflated voter rolls in areas favourable to the ruling Frelimo party, and voter intimidation. Mozambique’s electoral commission had promised to publish national results online, but their website remains inactive following a cyber-attack last month.
Political fallout
Mondlane, who rallied supporters across the country on Monday to protest the killings and alleged election theft, has vowed to continue demonstrating until justice is served. He has called for additional protests later in the week, with further unrest expected ahead of Friday’s announcement of the official election results.
The murder of Mondlane’s aides has drawn widespread condemnation from international figures, including former Mozambican President Armando Guebuza, the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union. Celebrated Mozambican author Mia Couto called the killings a ‘crime against the nation.’
A nation at a crossroads
The election, held on 9 October, marks a significant moment in Mozambique’s political history. Frelimo, the ruling party since the country’s independence from Portugal, is guaranteed to have a new leader, as President Filipe Nyusi is stepping down after serving the constitutional two-term limit. Frelimo’s candidate in this election is Daniel Chapo, a 47-year-old with strong party backing.
Mondlane, who has emerged as a key challenger, is joined by other opposition candidates, including Ossufo Momade, leader of the former rebel group Renamo, and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement.
As Mozambique awaits the official results, tensions remain high. The funeral of Elvino Dias is scheduled for Wednesday, and further protests led by Mondlane are expected to follow. With mounting pressure from both domestic and international observers, the Mozambican government faces growing calls to address the allegations of electoral fraud and bring those responsible for the killings to justice.
This election could be a turning point for Mozambique, as frustration with Frelimo’s long rule intensifies and the opposition pushes for greater transparency and accountability in the nation’s political process.
