Fresh protests have erupted across Mozambique after the country’s highest court upheld the ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner of October’s contested presidential election.
The court ruling, which confirmed Chapo’s victory, has reignited tensions in the country, as opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who came second in the race, continues to claim the election was rigged.
Protests intensified on Monday, with demonstrators chanting Mondlane’s name, blocking roads with burning tires, and clashing with police forces. Security personnel responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Mondlane, currently in exile, fled the country after two of his aides were shot dead during the election period, and has accused police of threatening him.
In a message posted on social media over the weekend, he warned that a “new popular uprising” could occur if the election result was not overturned.
While the court has upheld Chapo’s victory, it revised the margin of his win, reducing his original 71% share of the vote to 65%, while Mondlane’s vote share was increased from 20% to 24%.
Despite the court ruling, Mondlane and his supporters continue to protest, claiming widespread election fraud and voter manipulation.
Protests have been ongoing since the preliminary results were announced in October, leading to violent confrontations with security forces.
According to local monitoring group Plataforma Decide, at least 110 people have died in the unrest, with many reportedly killed by police. Police, however, have defended their actions, stating that they were responding to attacks from demonstrators.
The protests have brought daily life in Maputo, the country’s capital, to a halt, with roads empty and businesses shuttered, a stark contrast to the usual bustling atmosphere.
Mondlane, a 50-year-old evangelical pastor, has rejected the election results, insisting that there is “no way” he can accept them.
International observers have raised concerns over the election’s legitimacy, citing irregularities in the vote counting and evidence of manipulated results.
The electoral commission, however, denies any wrongdoing.
Pope Francis, addressing the nation on Sunday, urged for dialogue and peace, calling for the pursuit of the common good in the midst of the turmoil.
Mondlane has reportedly been in discussions with outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, but the outcome of those talks remains unclear.
