Mozambique’s Highest Court Confirms Disputed Frelimo Victory Amid Violent Protests
Mozambique’s highest court has officially confirmed the election win of the ruling Frelimo Party and its 47-year-old presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo. The election process, criticized for widespread fraud, led to nearly two months of violent unrest, leaving over 100 people dead and many others injured. Frelimo has maintained political control in the country for 49 years.
After 55 days of deliberation, Lucia Ribeiro, Chairperson of the Constitutional Council, acknowledged election irregularities but stated they did not significantly affect the outcome. She announced that Daniel Chapo of Frelimo secured 65.17% of the votes, while opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane received 24.29%.
The Constitutional Council also awarded Frelimo a majority in parliament and control of all 10 provincial governorships.
The National Election Commission had first announced the results in late October, sparking over eight weeks of protests after opposition candidate Mondlane rejected the outcome and urged citizens to demonstrate. These protests resulted in at least 130 deaths in confrontations with the police.
“First, we declare Daniel Francisco Chapo the elected president of Mozambique. Second, we validate the parliamentary election results from October 9, 2024,” Ribeiro stated during the announcement.
The final ruling showed a reduction in Frelimo’s parliamentary seats from 195 to 169. Meanwhile, the Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique, aligned with Mondlane, increased its seats from 31 to 43.
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Mozambique conducted presidential, parliamentary, and provincial elections on October 9, with the National Election Commission initially declaring Daniel Chapo the winner in all categories.
In his victory speech, Chapo pledged to serve all Mozambicans, not just his party and promised significant reforms. He acknowledged the need for deep changes in the electoral system, saying, “We must create a democratic framework that reflects our society’s aspirations beyond party politics. I am ready to lead this reform process.”
Following the results, Mondlane’s supporters resumed protests in Maputo, burning tires and blocking roads. Mondlane accused Frelimo of vote tampering and called for a nationwide shutdown starting Friday.
Adriano Nuvunga, a human rights activist and director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights, criticized the Constitutional Council’s decision, saying it would escalate problems in Mozambique rather than resolve them. “This was an opportunity to unite the nation, but the Council failed to ensure fair representation,” he said.
Human rights groups have reported that security forces used excessive force against peaceful protesters. Since October, at least 300 demonstrators have been arrested.
With all opposition parties rejecting the election results, violent protests are expected to continue in Mozambique for the foreseeable future.
Mozambique’s Highest Court Confirms Disputed Frelimo Victory Amid Violent Protests
