Regional Correspondent
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has issued a statement urging calm in Mozambique as the country awaits the official announcement of election results.
This call for peace comes a day after SADC’s chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, prematurely congratulated the ruling party, FRELIMO, for its victory in the recent elections.
Context of the Elections
During a meeting with Zanu PF Politburo members, Mnangagwa declared Daniel Chapo, the FRELIMO presidential candidate, as the president-elect, despite the fact that the Mozambique Electoral Commission (CNE) has yet to finalize and announce the results.
The elections have been marred by accusations of rigging, leading to violent clashes between supporters of FRELIMO and independent candidate Venancio Mondlane in the capital, Maputo.
SADC’s Position
Samia Suluhu Hassan, the chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics and the President of Tanzania, acknowledged that the CNE is in the process of finalizing the results. She emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Mozambique during this critical period, urging all stakeholders to uphold calm before and after the results are announced.
International Concerns
The situation has drawn criticism from various international bodies, including the European Union (EU), which condemned the handling of the post-election period by state security forces. Reports of violence, including the killing of a lawyer and shootings of citizens, have raised alarms.
The EU observer mission highlighted evidence of irregularities during the counting process and unauthorized alterations of election results at polling stations.
Historical Context
Mozambique has been governed by FRELIMO since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, similar to Zimbabwe’s political landscape. With President Felipe Nyusi stepping down after two terms, this election was seen as an opportunity for opposition or independent candidates to gain traction.
Conclusion
As Mozambique awaits the official election results, the call for calm from SADC reflects the delicate political climate in the country. The international community’s concerns about electoral integrity and the potential for unrest underscore the importance of a transparent and peaceful resolution to the electoral process.
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