Independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane has warned of a nationwide strike if the ruling Frelimo party claims victory in Mozambique’s presidential election. Speaking to Reuters on Friday, Mondlane claimed that preliminary results gathered by his delegates show him in the lead following Wednesday’s vote, although official results are not expected until Saturday, with full results to be announced within 15 days.
Frelimo, which has governed Mozambique since 1975, has been repeatedly accused of election rigging—allegations the party consistently denies. Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s candidate, is widely expected to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.
Mondlane, a popular figure among Mozambique’s frustrated youth, is seen as the biggest challenge to the ruling party in years. In an interview, he expressed concern over potential election fraud but emphasised his commitment to peaceful protests. ‘The risks of violence are very high,’ he said, ‘but I do not condone violence.’ If Frelimo is declared the winner, Mondlane vowed to contest the results in court and through peaceful demonstrations.
‘We will mobilise the population to reject the results,’ Mondlane said. ‘We are prepared to instigate an economic shutdown, a total halt to the country’s activities.’
A spokesperson for Frelimo stated the party would wait for the official results, adding, ‘Frelimo does not declare victory—that is for the official election body.’
Though Mondlane admitted he lacked definitive evidence of election fraud, some civil society groups have reported irregularities, including election observers being denied access to polling stations during the vote count. Mozambique has previously seen unrest following elections, with protests after Frelimo’s landslide victory in last year’s municipal elections being swiftly suppressed by authorities.
While the capital, Maputo, remained peaceful on Friday, there was a visible presence of armed police along major roads.
If elected, Mondlane has promised significant reforms, including changes to tax policy that would ensure more revenue from multinational companies like ExxonMobil goes towards local development. He has also pledged to increase funding for young entrepreneurs and address the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado, where a violent insurgency has displaced thousands.
Mondlane stressed the need for dialogue with insurgent leaders in Cabo Delgado, stating, ‘It is not possible to have peace in Cabo Delgado without including the insurgents.’ He has also highlighted the region’s historical marginalisation as a key factor in the unrest.
As the country waits for the official results, tensions remain high amid growing concerns over the election’s integrity and potential unrest.
Source: Reuters
