As Mozambique approaches its general elections scheduled for October 9, concerns are mounting over the National Elections Commission’s (CNE) ability to effectively conduct the electoral process.
According to local media reports, financial constraints are significantly hampering the commission’s operations, particularly in the transportation of polling staff and election materials.
CNE spokesperson Paulo Cuinica told reporters this week that the commission is struggling to secure funds necessary for purchasing air tickets to transport polling staff, known as MMVs, across the country.
“At the moment, we’re requesting airlifts so that we can transport the MMVs who will be working on voting day and also those more sensitive materials that will be arriving a few days before the elections take place,” Cuinica is quoted as saying by state-run news agency AIM.
He further noted that some election officials have gone without their allowances for up to three months, raising concerns about the overall preparedness for the elections.
The CNE is training approximately 184,310 MMVs to staff the 26,330 polling stations set to be established nationwide, including an additional 602 polling stations for the diaspora.
Each polling station is meant to have seven staff members, comprising four recruited through public tenders and three appointed by parliamentary political parties.
However, reports have surfaced suggesting that these tender processes may not be as transparent as intended, with allegations that the ruling Frelimo party has manipulated the selection of trainers for the MMVs.
Cuinica also highlighted logistical challenges, noting that some voting materials have yet to arrive in Mozambique, contrary to legal requirements that stipulate all materials should be on-site at least 10 days before election day.
He assured the public that a team was dispatched to South Africa to oversee the production of necessary equipment, which is currently being manufactured there.
Adding to the concerns, CNE deputy chairperson Fernando Mazanga, appointed by the opposition party Renamo, reported that support bodies across the country have not received their allowances for several months.
“The situation is occurring in all of the country’s districts, with around 2,300 people without allowances. The lack of allowances makes no sense since the Ministry of Economy and Finance is fully aware of it,” Mazanga told AIM.
He expressed frustration over the financial mismanagement, suggesting that the delays are undermining the independence of the CNE and potentially making electoral officials more vulnerable to corruption.
Despite these setbacks, CNE chairperson Carlos Matsinhe has maintained that elections will proceed without restrictions, even in areas affected by terrorism such as Cabo Delgado province.
Mozambicans will go to the polls next Wednesday to elect a new president and members of the national parliament and provincial assemblies.
JN/APA