Mozambique's ruling party retains power in contested election

Mozambique's ruling party, Frelimo, has retained power in this month's national election, extending its five-decade rule in the Southern African state as the opposition cried fraud.

Frelimo's Daniel Chapo, 47, will succeed President Filipe Nyusi to become Mozambique's fifth president since its independence from Portugal in 1975. Nyusi is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms.

Chapo won over 70% of votes, the electoral commission said on Thursday. Venancio Mondlane, backed by the Podemos party, came in second with 20% of votes, displacing former rebel movement Renamo, which had been the official opposition party but whose candidate came in third this time around.

Observers have said the Oct. 9 election was not free and fair. A European Union mission reported irregularities during counting and alteration of results at the local and district level, problems that have marred most polls since Frelimo first allowed multi-party elections in 1994.

The Electoral Commission has declined to comment on allegations of vote rigging.

Mondlane, who claims he is the true winner, has already called for nationwide protests on Thursday and Friday. Political protests in Mozambique are usually forcefully suppressed by police.

Chapo, a lawyer, is seen as a business-friendly choice who analysts say is likely to maintain the status quo regarding a fight against Islamist insurgents in the north and partnerships with companies including Exxon MobilXOM.N and TotalEnergiesTTEF.PA, which are trying to get major gas projects off the ground.

The country of nearly 35 million is struggling with a large debt burden and worsening climate shocks, including droughts and cyclones.

Independent candidate for the presidency of Mozambique Venancio Mondlane speaks during an interview in Maputo, Mozambique, October 11, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Sisipho Skweyiya/File Photo)