Mozambique’s Post-Election Violence Claims Over 150 Lives Amid Protests
Since the confirmation of Daniel Chapo’s victory by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, at least 21 additional deaths have occurred from violence, raising the total toll to 151 since protests began on October 21. Opposition supporters are protesting the results leading to vandalism and unrest, further exacerbated by Mondlane’s warnings of upcoming challenges for citizens.
In the aftermath of the presidential elections held on October 9 in Mozambique, at least 21 individuals have lost their lives to violence, as reported by the country’s interior minister. The violence erupted following the confirmation of the ruling party Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the election winner by the Constitutional Council, which is the highest electoral authority in Mozambique. As protests ensued primarily led by supporters of exiled opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, the total death toll since October 21 has now reached 151, according to electoral monitoring organization Plataforma Decide.
The unrest began shortly after the Constitutional Council upheld Chapo’s victory, albeit with a revised vote margin, decreasing his winning percentage from 71% to 65%. This confirmation sparked significant protests in the capital, Maputo, where demonstrators have been accused of attacking police stations and public facilities. Mondlane, who remains in self-imposed exile, previously cautioned the citizens regarding the impending turmoil following the electoral results, thus foreshadowing the violent reactions that have erupted since the elections.
The political climate in Mozambique has been tense, particularly following the controversial presidential elections in October 2023. The elections saw incumbent Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner amidst significant disputes surrounding the legitimacy of the electoral process. The Constitutional Council’s decision to confirm Chapo’s victory ignited widespread protests, underscoring the deep divisions between the ruling party and opposition groups, particularly those aligned with the exiled Mondlane, whose statements have added fuel to the current unrest.
The recent violence in Mozambique highlights the fragility of its political stability following a bitterly contested election. With the confirmed death toll surpassing 150, the situation remains dire, raising concerns about the safety of citizens and the ability of the government to maintain order. The re-escalation of tensions between the ruling party supporters and opposition factions poses significant challenges for Mozambique’s democratic processes and future governance.
Original Source: news.az
