The United States and other international organisations have expressed concern over Monday’s endorsement of the results of Mozambique’s disputed October 9 elections by the Constitutional Council.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the US is worried that the Constitutional Council disregarded concerns raised by various groups about irregularities noted during the voting and counting processes.
“Civil society organisations, political parties, the media and international observers, including those from the United States, cited significant irregularities in the tabulation process, as well as concern about the lack of transparency throughout the election period,” Miller said in a statement on Tuesday.
Miller called on all stakeholders to refrain from violence and engage in meaningful collaboration to restore peace and foster unity.
He called for those responsible for human rights violations, including the killing of protesters and party officials and the excessive use of force by security forces, to be held accountable for their actions.
The International Republican Institute (IRI) also released a statement expressing concern over the Constitutional Council’s decision.
The IRI highlighted that the Mozambican election was marred by widespread irregularities, subsequent violence and fraudulent practices that prevented a credible electoral outcome.
“This decision only further erodes the integrity of the electoral process and raises more concerns about the independence of election-related bodies in Mozambique,” IRI said in a statement.
It condemned the political violence that has continued to occur and called for effective, inclusive and meaningful dialogue to address the disputed electoral process.
Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has claimed that the October 9 vote was rigged in favour of the ruling Frelimo party and has threatened further protests.
Mondlane has vowed to lead an unprecedented uprising, citing electoral fraud and calling for serious electoral and institutional reforms to secure the future of Mozambique as a genuine multiparty democracy.
The IRI, which led an election observation mission to Mozambique in October, called on all Mozambican parties to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful resolution during this post-electoral period.
JN/APA