Monday’s proclamation of Daniel Chapo as Mozambique’s president-elect has sparked protests in the capital Maputo.
The Constitutional Council confirmed Chapo’s victory in the October 9 election, which has been marred by allegations of rigging and massive protests by opposition groups and observer missions.
The proclamation of the election results by the Constitutional Council led to chaos in various areas, with reports of gunshot victims and widespread destruction.
Opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane warned Mozambicans to prepare for “difficult days ahead.”
“History is made of thorny, rocky moments, but the truth is that victory is guaranteed for all of us,” he wrote on Facebook.
In the capital Maputo, protesters chanted Mondlane’s name, burned tires, barricaded roads and threw stones at police who responded with tear gas.
The clashes between police and demonstrators continued for hours, with reports of at least one youth being shot and transported to the hospital.
Reports said gunfire could still be heard in central Maputo by late Monday evening.
JN/APA