Mozambique Court Upholds Frelimo’s Presidential Victory Amid Protests

Mozambique’s highest court has upheld the Frelimo party’s victory in the October presidential elections, confirming Daniel Chapo received 65.17% of the vote amid ongoing opposition protests that have resulted in over 100 deaths. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has called for further protests and a shutdown, alleging electoral fraud.

Mozambique’s Constitutional Council has affirmed the victory of the ruling party, Frelimo, in the recent presidential election, following a series of protests from the opposition. The court ruled that any irregularities noted during the election process did not significantly affect the results, confirming that Daniel Chapo, representing Frelimo, secured 65.17% of the votes compared to 24.29% for opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane. This ruling comes in the wake of unrest, which has resulted in over 100 fatalities since the election, igniting further protests in the nation’s capital, Maputo, where Mondlane’s supporters demonstrated their discontent by setting fires and obstructing roadways.

The political landscape in Mozambique has been tense following the presidential elections held in October. The ruling party, Frelimo, has been accused by opposition leaders of election rigging, sparking continuous protests against the electoral result. The situation escalated as the Constitutional Council announced its decision, confirming Frelimo’s electoral win despite previous assertions of higher vote totals for the party. This decision underscores ongoing conflicts in Mozambique’s political sphere, threatening stability in the region.

The ruling by Mozambique’s highest court has significant implications for the country’s political stability, especially amidst ongoing protests. As the Council’s decision validates Frelimo’s electoral victory despite allegations of irregularities, the potential for escalated unrest remains high. Opponent Venâncio Mondlane’s calls for a shutdown and claims of a rigged election indicate that tensions could continue to flare, challenging governance and civil order in Mozambique.

Original Source: abcnews.go.com