On Tuesday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa appeared to endorse the recent Mozambican elections by congratulating Frelimo’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, who is set to be officially declared the winner of the contested October 9 poll.
Speaking to Zanu PF Politburo members at the party headquarters in Harare, Mnangagwa, who also serves as SADC chairperson, said, “Comrades, I congratulate our sister revolutionary Party, Frelimo, and the President-Elect, His Excellency Cde Daniel Chapo, along with the people of Mozambique, on their resounding victory. Zanu PF is ready to strengthen the longstanding revolutionary unity between our parties and nations.”
His remarks, which seem to endorse an election marred by accusations of vote fraud and violence, could fuel anger within Mozambique’s opposition party, Podemos, and its presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who have rejected the results and called for protests.
Mnangagwa’s comments may be premature, as the official election results have yet to be announced, and a legal challenge to the outcome could still be in the works. If confirmed, Chapo’s win will further solidify Frelimo’s grip on power, continuing its dominance since Mozambique’s independence in 1975.
