Political Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU-PF, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa have been accused of interfering in Mozambique’s recent elections, according to Talent Rusere, High Commissioner of the Southern Africa Human Rights Lawyers.
Rusere revealed that his organization has launched an investigation into the allegations, stating,
“We have launched an investigation to find out what exactly transpired in Mozambique, which led us to understand that there has been interference by the Zimbabwean President and the ruling party.”
The controversy surrounds the October 9 election, where Mozambique’s National Electoral Commission declared FRELIMO’s Daniel Chapo the winner.
However, opposition party PODEMOS, led by Venacio Mondlane, disputes the results, accusing FRELIMO of electoral fraud. Rusere pointed to evidence of Zimbabwean nationals voting in Mozambique, saying,
“We believe there are credible reports that Zimbabweans were being sent across the border to vote during the Mozambican elections, which could have influenced the election outcome.”
Videos circulating online appear to show Zimbabwean nationals casting votes in favor of FRELIMO, with some individuals testifying that they were instructed to vote for Mozambique’s ruling party.
Former Zanu PF councillor, Edison Manyawi, surprisingly bragged about himself voting for Frelimo on camera, despite it being illegal.
“We are happy with what we did because Mozambique is our neighbour and helped us during the liberation struggle, so we would not hesitate to help them win the elections,” said Manyawi.
It is alleged that hundreds turned out in Masvingo, Chegutu, Mutare and Harare to cast their votes.
“We have just voted in the Mozambique elections so that we might also cross the border safely when we want to go and buy goods for resale. We also like Frelimo, which we voted for,” said Spiwe Maparanyanga after casting their vote at the Maud Muzenda Centre in Masvingo.
Rusere emphasized that this is not the first time Zimbabwe has been accused of interfering in neighboring countries’ electoral processes.
The allegations have sparked unrest in Mozambique, with reports indicating that over 50 people have lost their lives in the violence following the contested vote.
Human Rights Watch reported that at least 30 people were killed in the post-election violence.
Zim GBC News©2024