KEY POINTS
- Mondlane claims 296,519 illegal votes in Zimbabwean constituency.
- He appeals for election results to be annulled and reassessed.
- President Nyusi calls for dialogue among all presidential candidates.
Venâncio Mondlane, opposition leader and presidential candidate in Mozambique’s recent elections, has lodged an appeal with the Mozambican Constitutional Council. He seeks to annul the results of the Zimbabwe constituency vote in the October 9 elections, claiming 296,519 Zimbabwean citizens “without active electoral capacity” voted illegally.
In his appeal, filed through attorney Judite Simão, Mondlane referenced data from the Southern Africa Human Rights Lawyers High Commission Mozambique. The appeal included photographic evidence of voter registration cards and questioned whether these voters held dual nationality. Mondlane argued that irregularities undermine the legitimacy of the elections.
Mozambique’s National Electoral Commission (CNE) had approved 60 polling stations in Zimbabwe out of 602 set up across nine countries for 331,939 registered voters. Despite these provisions, Mondlane disputes the victory of Daniel Chapo, the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, who garnered 70.67% of the vote.
Calls for electoral truth and transparency
Mondlane, along with leaders from other opposition parties, Ossufo Momade of Renamo and Lutero Simango of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), has called for the annulment and repetition of the elections. Allegations of widespread irregularities have fueled demands for electoral truth.
“Forget it. We want electoral truth. Whoever won, won. Votes can’t be negotiated,” Mondlane declared during a public statement. His sentiments reflect growing dissatisfaction among opposition leaders and their supporters.
Nyusi urges unity in post-election Mozambique
In response to rising tensions, President Filipe Nyusi invited all four presidential candidates, including Mondlane, to a meeting aimed at fostering dialogue. Nyusi condemned the violent demonstrations following the elections, which he described as creating “chaos” and weakening the nation.
Newzimbabwe.com reported that, Nyusi emphasized the need for unity to address the challenges posed by the election outcomes. “Mozambicans have to be together to solve the problems,” he stated during a 45-minute national address. He urged the candidates to work collaboratively to find a solution that benefits the country.
The president expressed his commitment to pacifying Mozambique during his remaining time in office, calling for “freedom from selfishness” and dialogue to ensure stability. The post-election period remains tense, with protests and appeals highlighting the need for resolution and transparency in Mozambique’s electoral process.
