Mozambique's Top Court Confirms Frelimo Victory Amid Ongoing Protests and Electoral Tensions

 

Mozambique’s top court has confirmed the ruling Frelimo party's victory in the controversial presidential elections held on October 9, a decision likely to spark further unrest amid ongoing protests alleging electoral fraud. Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, was declared the winner with 65.2% of the vote, according to Lúcia Ribeiro, chair of the Constitutional Council, who made the announcement on Monday.

The figure announced by the council is lower than the 70.7% initially reported by the election commission, but still above the 50% threshold required for victory. In contrast, opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who gained substantial support from urban youth, secured 24.2% of the vote, a modest increase from his previous share of 20.3%. Despite Mondlane’s claims of electoral misconduct, the council acknowledged discrepancies during vote counting at the district level, although it did not provide specific details or explanations. It also stated that the Podemos party, which supports Mondlane, had submitted "inflated" figures in their challenges to the election results.

The announcement of the court's ruling has come amidst weeks of violent protests, during which security forces have reportedly killed over 130 people, according to Human Rights Watch. International observers have pointed to potential ballot rigging, yet some remain cautious about whether Mondlane would have won a truly fair election. The protests have paralyzed the nation’s economy, compounded by the destruction caused by Cyclone Chido, which struck the country on December 15, claiming the lives of 120 people and leaving around 110,000 homes destroyed.

Prior to the court’s ruling, Mondlane urged his supporters to refrain from violence but vowed to continue pushing for electoral justice. In a Facebook video, he warned that the country would be plunged into chaos if the election results were deemed fraudulent. Following the court's confirmation of Chapo's victory, protests broke out across Mozambique, with footage showing tires being burned in the streets as state security forces were deployed.

Chapo, who is set to assume office on January 15, has promised to lead a process of electoral reform, emphasizing dialogue as essential for social harmony, although he did not provide further details. Experts note that Mondlane's approach—leading protests instead of negotiating with Frelimo—is a new and uncharted political dynamic for Mozambique. Alex Vines of Chatham House described it as a shift from the country's historically strong ruling party to a situation where both the state and party appear weaker, challenged by Mondlane's populist leadership and the frustration of disenfranchised youth.