Mozambique police clash with opposition protesters after disputed election

On Monday, the Mozambique police fired teargas at demonstrators in the capital city of Maputo who had assembled at the location where two opposition party members were fatally shot following a disputed election on Saturday.

The full results of Mozambique’s national election on October 9 are anticipated to be announced this week. The preliminary results indicate that the ruling party, Frelimo, is poised to secure another victory. The poll was allegedly manipulated, according to the opposition candidates.

Since 1975, Frelimo has been the ruler of the southern African nation. Opposition leaders, civil society, and election observers have accused the government of electoral malpractice, a charge that Frelimo denies.

“Due to their firing at us, the police are transforming this into a violent protest.” “We are present to demand that the truth regarding the election be maintained,” stated Vladimir Manhique, a 32-year-old car mechanic.”

“This is a means of illustrating that the current situation is unsustainable.” He declared, “This regime must be overthrown.”

One individual, who was dressed in civilian attire, was observed by a Reuters reporter firing a firearm at the gathering. Subsequently, he entered a vehicle with a police officer. Live ammunition has been employed by the Mozambican police during political protests in the past, including last year.

A spokesperson for the police was unavailable for immediate comment.
An opposition lawyer and a party official were fatally shot by gunmen in their vehicle in Maputo early Saturday, which heightened tensions in anticipation of a national strike that Venancio Mondlane, an independent presidential candidate, intends to coordinate on Monday.

The demonstrators were instructed to return home following the confrontations with the police, and Mondlane declared the strike a success on Monday.

Maputo’s streets were noticeably quieter than usual, as numerous enterprises were closed.

The electoral commission of Mozambique has declined to provide a response to allegations of misconduct. The poll did not meet international standards for democratic elections, according to observers based in the United States. They cited allegations of vote buying, intimidation, inflated voter rolls, and other issues.