Mozambique’s post-election crisis took a new turn on Thursday as the main opposition Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) called for a recount of votes from the October 9 general elections.
Podemos leader Albino Forquilha said the recount would establish what he termed the “electoral truth” following allegations of fraud in the results announced by the National Elections Commission (CNE), which declared victory for the ruling Frelimo party and its candidate, Daniel Chapo.
Speaking in Maputo during a meeting with the Constitutional Council, Forquilha emphasised the need for a recount due to widespread mistrust of the election management bodies.
“We have a certain mistrust of the institutions that manage these processes, and the recount is aimed at guaranteeing electoral transparency,” Forquilha said.
He expressed concern that the Constitutional Council had not responded to Podemos’ appeal, casting doubt on the possibility of achieving electoral truth.
Constitutional Council chairperson Lúcia Ribeiro said the council could not include political party representatives or electoral observers in the verification or recount processes.
She acknowledged instances of fraud such as blank or unsigned results sheets, but did not specify the extent of the impact on the election results.
The unprecedented meeting between the Council and an opposition party’s leadership highlighted the ongoing tensions.
Podemos, which supported independent presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, has been advocating for demonstrations since October 21 to protest the allegedly fraudulent election results.
JN/APA