KEY POINTS
- Police fire teargas and bullets at protesters in Maputo.
- Opposition demands election transparency amid fraud allegations.
- Unrest grows as Mozambique awaits final election results.
Following a protest over the contentious October 9 national election, Mozambique’s police used live ammunition and tear gas on demonstrators in Maputo on Monday.
Supporters of the opposition protested in the streets, claiming that the incumbent Frelimo party had engaged in electoral fraud and that the election had been rigged. When two opposition leaders were shot dead at the same spot on Saturday, tensions increased.
Protesters demand election transparency
In Maputo, hundreds of demonstrators gathered to demand responsibility and transparency in the electoral process while hurling rocks and burning Frelimo flags.
Two journalists and a security officer were reportedly struck by gunfire, although no one was gravely hurt. Police replied by using tear gas and live ammunition.
“Because they are shooting at us, the police are escalating this into a violent demonstration. One demonstrator, Vladimir Manhique, an auto mechanic, stated, “We are here to demand that the truth about the election is upheld.”
According to Reuters, allegations of vote-rigging, such as vote-buying, inflated voter rolls, and intimidation techniques during the election, were the source of the crowd’s ire.
Election results under scrutiny
Although the official results have not yet been announced by Mozambique’s electoral commission, preliminary estimates indicate that Frelimo, the ruling party, will likely win again.
Since the nation’s independence in 1975, Frelimo has held power, and it has refuted claims of fraud. International observers, civil society organizations, and opposition candidates, however, have expressed doubts about the election’s integrity, arguing that it fell short of international norms for democratic elections.
Following altercations with police, independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who organized the statewide rally, asked protesters to go back to their homes.
As the opposition-called strike gained momentum, many shops in downtown Maputo closed, and the streets remained silent.
Continued unrest
The demonstrations are a part of a larger dissatisfaction with the ruling party, which has previously resulted in violent responses by Mozambican police.
Human rights organizations have criticized authorities for using live bullets during political protests, arguing that it is important to avert bloodshed.
Tensions are still high as Mozambique awaits the final election results. As the situation develops, further protests can break out as opposition leaders continue to contest the election’s legality.
