All is set for Mozambique’s general elections to be held across the vast country located on the southeast coast of Africa on Wednesday.
More than 17 million registered voters are expected to cast votes in the polls to choose a new president, parliamentarians and provincial governors.
Incumbent President Filipe Nyusi of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo) is ineligible to stand again after two terms of office.
The presidential race is billed to be a four-man contest involving Frelimo’s youthful canidate Daniel Chapo, main opposition leader Ossufo Momade of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) president Lutero Simango and independent candidate Venancio Mondlane.
Electoral campaigns ended on Sunday, with the presidential hopefuls promising to create jobs by transforming the economy, improve the country’s infrastructure and end terrorism in Cabo Delgado province.
A total of 36 political parties have registered to take part in the elections for members the 250-member House of Assembly as well as for deputies for provincial assemblies.
Voting is also expected to take place in nine other countries, seven of which are in Africa while others in two European countries.
Mozambicans in Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be able to cast their ballots at polling stations to be erected in these countries on Wednesday, as will those in Germany and Portugal.
The ruling Frelimo is expected to win the elections against a fragmented opposition.
The party has won all elections held in the country since independence in 1975.
In the last elections, Frelimo got a two-thirds majority after winning184 seats, followed by Renamo with 60 and MDM which got six.
JN/APA