Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, witnessed widespread destruction on Friday morning following violent protests that erupted overnight in response to the ruling Frelimo party’s re-election after 49 years in power. Hundreds of opposition supporters took to the streets, accusing the electoral commission of corruption and alleging that the October 9 election had been rigged in favor of Frelimo. On Thursday, the election commission declared that Daniel Chapo, the ruling party’s candidate, had won the election with 71 percent of the vote.
As the results were announced, protests flared in multiple cities, with demonstrators blocking streets in Maputo by setting fire to tyres. Protesters also targeted Frelimo’s campaign billboards, tearing them down, while some hurled stones at anti-riot police. Security forces responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds, as witnessed by reporters on the scene. The unrest highlights growing dissatisfaction with the long-standing dominance of Frelimo in Mozambique’s political landscape.
Daniel Chapo, a former provincial governor who is relatively unknown in national politics, was a surprise candidate for Frelimo and is set to replace President Filipe Nyusi in January. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who officially secured just over 20 percent of the vote, rejected the election results, claiming victory and denouncing what he called a “rotten and fake” political process. He urged supporters to continue demonstrating in protest of what he described as manipulated results.
The European Union’s election observer mission had earlier flagged concerns over irregularities during the vote counting process, highlighting what they described as “favoritism” towards the ruling party. Mondlane reiterated his stance during a social media broadcast, emphasizing that the election outcome did not reflect the true will of the Mozambican people.