KEY POINTS
- Mozambique’s election process remained peaceful as vote counting commenced.
- Both FRELIMO and RENAMO are competing for power in the general elections.
- Election observers report calm proceedings with no major disruptions.
Mozambique has started the process of vote counting after a violence-free general election in which millions of people voted across the country.
This election presents a significant stage in the Mozambique context – the country where civil strife has lasted for years, but now there is a tendency towards stabilization. The first results indicate that the voting process was conducted without major problems and incidents.
The election is between the ruling FRELIMO party of President Filipe Nyusi and the former rebel group and opposition party RENAMO. Nyusi is stepping down, as the constitution of the country demands, and the field is clear for the next president. It is a high stakes election with both parties vying for control of the presidency, parliament and local government seats.
Low profile Election Day despite heightened security measures
During Election Day, polling stations started early to receive those willing to contribute to the future of Mozambique. Security forces were deployed to keep law and order, and the voting exercise went on without any hitches.
From the reports of the election observers, the atmosphere was relatively peaceful, people patiently standing in long queues to vote.
The election was closely observed by domestic and international observers including the African Union. They claimed not to have witnessed any cases of violence or cases of intimidation, which is a good omen for a country that has not been free of political instabilities.
The exercising of democracy in this election is therefore being hailed as the greatest achievement, it indicates the progress the nation is making in attaining sustainable peace and democratic leadership.
FRELIMO and RENAMO: The struggle for the presidency
The competition for power continues to be mainly between FRELIMO, which has been in power in Mozambique since the country’s independence in 1975 from Portugal and RENAMO, a former rebel group that transformed to a political party.
Although FRELIMO has been in power for many years, RENAMO has been steadily increasing its popularity year by year becoming, a serious contender in this election.
Historically Mozambique has been having a bitter political struggle between FRELIMO and RENAMO whereby the two parties had a civil war. However, the conflict ceased in March 1992 when the two parties signed the peace accord and have since competed in several elections without violence.
Vote counting is in progress, results to follow
As the voting exercise draws to a close, Mozambique waits for the final election results that are expected in the next few days. The result will define the further development of the country during the next several years, including such important topics as economic growth, poverty, and governance.
The violence-free elections serve as an indication that the outcomes will be welcomed by all parties, to prevent the violence that has characterized previous votes.
Reuters reported that Mozambique’s election has attracted interest from other African countries since many of them are waiting to see how the country will handle this transition.
Since peace and stability are the key to Mozambique’s future, the successful completion of this election could be a good example for other countries with the same problems.
