PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Mozambique “to remain patient and calm” while results of the October 15 vote continue to be compiled.
Speaking in his capacity as the chairperson of SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation, and amid disgruntlement from the opposition, Mnangagwa on Wednesday said, in the event of any disputes “SADC urges all political parties and contestants” to resort “to relevant legal mechanisms.”
This comes as SADC issued a preliminary statement on October 17 commending the people of Mozambique for exercising their democratic right to vote and for doing so peacefully.
“SADC reiterates its call to all stakeholders to remain patient and calm while the results continue to be compiled for the final validation and proclamation by the Constitutional Council of the Republic of Mozambique,” Mnangagwa said.
“SADC further encourages contesting political parties and other stakeholders to observe the spirit of the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement of 6th August 2019 and maintain peace and stability which is important not only for the Republic of Mozambique but also for the entire SADC region.”
Partial results released by Mozambican Electoral Commission show President Filipe Nyusi and his ruling Frelimo party headed for a major victory.
Mozambique’s main opposition party, Renamo, has called for a cancellation of the October 15 vote and asked for “new elections that must be supervised by reputable entities.”
While SADC’s preliminary statement appeared to suggest that the election would pass the free and fair mark, observer missions including the United States and the European Union have cited an unlevel playing field in both the campaign and entire electoral process.
The electoral watchdogs have also expressed concern regarding irregularities during the voting and counting and their vulnerability to possible fraudulent acts.
In a statement on Saturday, Renamo accused the ruling party of using intimidation among other malpractices in pursuit of political objectives.
“There were arbitrary arrests of agents … and voters who tried to complain about anything, ballot box stuffing, being unable to exercise the right to vote,”
Renamo said.
“…The ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) has violated the cessation of hostilities agreement, which states that violence and intimidation must not be used in pursuit of political objectives.”
