Tensions escalated in Mozambique on Tuesday as opposition politician Venâncio Mondlane issued a stark ultimatum, warning of further unrest unless the Constitutional Council proclaims him the victor of the October presidential poll.
The country is teetering on the edge of uncertainty as Mondlane’s demands set the stage for potential chaos in the aftermath of a highly contested election.
In a bold declaration broadcast via Facebook from an undisclosed location, Mondlane placed the fate of Mozambique in the hands of Constitutional Council chairperson Lucia Ribeiro, urging her to declare his victory to avert potential turmoil.
In response to potential unfavourable outcomes, Mondlane issues veiled threats of escalated protests under the banner of “Turbo V8,” placing accountability for any ensuing turmoil squarely on Ribeiro and the Constitutional Council judges.
Central to Mondlane’s ultimatum is a call for a nationwide general strike on December 23 when all activities, barring essential services, are expected to grind to a halt while awaiting the council’s judgment.
Mondlane claims possession of polling station result sheets validating his triumph although he has not made the documents public.
He maintains that the opposition party, Podemos – which backed his presidential candidacy – secured a significant parliamentary majority in tandem with his alleged presidential win.
The National Elections Commission previously announced a landslide victory for the ruling Frelimo party and its presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, a result contested by Mondlane and his supporters as “massively fraudulent.”
The opposition politician has over the past two months called for protests against the election outcome.
The protests have often turned violent, resulting in running battles between his supporters and the police and severely disrupting business activities.
JN/APA