Mozambique considers deploying army to quell tensions
Last month, the ruling Frelimo party's Daniel Chapo secured a victory of 70.7% of the votes.
Members of the Islamic community of Mozambique march during a protest against the results of the 2024 presidential elections in Maputo on 2 November 2024. Picture: ALFREDO ZUNIGA / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The death toll continues to rise in Mozambique amid violent protests over the outcome of the country’s recent elections.
Last month, the ruling Frelimo party's Daniel Chapo secured a victory of 70.7% of the votes.
However, allegations of vote rigging sparked violent demonstrations.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, the country’s Defence Minister Cristóvão Chume announced they’re considering deploying the military to quell tensions.
The deadly protests continue to disrupt activities in Mozambique, almost a month after citizens cast their ballots.
READ: Mozambique threatens to deploy army to quell protests
On the 9th of October, Mozambicans made their mark in what was described as a watershed election.
What’s important to note is that before citizens took to the polls, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance highlighted so-called “ghost voters” in seven of the country’s ten provinces. But despite that concern and many others, elections went ahead.
Frelimo's triumph was quickly labelled fraudulent by the opposition, causing widespread retaliation.
International observers including the European Union have reported serious irregularities in Mozambique's election process, suggesting manipulation by the electoral body in Frelimo's favour.
On Tuesday, South Africa's Border Management Authority closed the Lebombo border between the two countries, as a result of the ongoing tensions.