Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party Political Commission has said it is open to dialogue with independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, but only after the Constitutional Council validates the 9 October fraudulent election results.
Mondlane and PODEMOS (Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique), the party that backed his presidential run, claim to have won the elections marred by widespread rigging to benefit Frelimo and its presidential candidate Daniel Chapo.
However, despite serious irregularities pointed out both by national and international observers, the National Electoral Commission (CNE) declared Chapo and Frelimo the victors without bothering to investigate the allegations of fraud and irregularities.
The European Union Observer Mission, the Bar Association have asked CNE to publish all the results sheets without success. On Wednesday, the Constitutional Council also asked CNE to provide the results sheets for seven provinces – if the CNE ignored the other bodies, it has no choice but to do as instructed by the Constitutional Council.
President Filipe Nyusi behaved as if all was normal on Wednesday. Photos on social media platforms show him relaxing in an upscale bar, taking selfies with patrons, perhaps to dispel rumours that he was running away. Meanwhile, heavily armed individuals in military fatigues and armoured vehicles could be seen in downtown Maputo.
Comment
Observers suggest that President Nyusi may be experiencing the typical end-of-term paranoia that often accompanies the final stretch of constitutional leadership. Evidence of this can be seen in his treatment of his press officer, Arsénio Henriques. Nyusi has publicly rebuked Henriques twice for minor mistakes, which could indicate a shift in perception, seeing Henriques as less loyal or as someone whose allegiance may wane as Nyusi’s second term draws to a close
Nyusi’s recent bar visit appears to have been an attempt to reconnect with the public. Though the small group of patrons seemed to enjoy chatting with him, the carefully controlled setting couldn’t fully obscure the widespread disillusionment citizens feel toward him and Frelimo, the ruling party he chairs.
He may also be acutely aware that, earlier in the day, opposition parties—minus Renamo—signed an agreement to rally supporters in peaceful protests challenging the election results, potentially amplifying his sense of vulnerability
While the situation appears calm on the surface, some within Frelimo reportedly favor a negotiated political solution to the crisis—an option Nyusi currently resists. He perceives these internal suggestions as efforts to undermine his authority.
A further underlying factor could be Nyusi’s concern over becoming politically irrelevant, prompting him to assert control more aggressively to reinforce his leadership within both the party and the country.
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