Mozambique’s election: “Unjustified alteration” – EU observers

Presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane claims security personnel killed his attorney, Elvino Dias, over the weekend

The European Union poll observers have noted the “unjustified alteration” of some results in Mozambique’s general election, amid claims made by a prominent opposition candidate that his counsel was slain by the government.

According to source, this development on Tuesday came a day after Mozambicans demonstrated against suspected fraud in the country’s October 9 presidential and parliamentary elections.

There were anomalies in the counting process and unwarranted changes made to the Mozambique’s election results according to a statement by EU observers.

The statement reads in part: “The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has noted irregularities during counting and unjustified alteration of election results at polling station and district level”.

The Southern African country’s election officials were advised to count the votes “in a transparent and credible manner, ensuring the traceability of polling station results”.

Presidential candidate Mr. Venancio Mondlane accuses the government of killing his attorney, Mr. Elvino Dias, during the eve of Mozambique’s election.

The presidential candidate Mr. Venancio Mondlane said in a video on Facebook on Tuesday that security personnel had killed his attorney, Mr. Elvino Dias, over the weekend.

“This was a crime committed by the Defence and Security Forces.

“There’s no doubt about it.

“The special forces killed Elvino (Dias)”, Mr. Mondlane claimed, accusing security agents of firing on Dias 25 times.

“There is a price on my head,” Mondlane also added.

According to reports, Mr. Elvino Dias was assassinated early on Saturday morning as he prepared to file a complaint in the constitutional court challenging early election results that showed the government Frelimo party leading the elections.

According to witnesses, he and Paulo Guambe, a member of the Podemos party, which supports Mondlane, were in a car in Maputo when they were encircled by cars and both of them were shot dead.

Opinions on the Mozambique’s election

The EU observers also called for “utmost restraint by all” in their statement on Tuesday.

“In view of the social tensions and electoral-related violence witnessed in recent days, the EU EOM reiterates its condemnation of the killings of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe,” it said.

The deaths of Dias and Guambe were also denounced by the United States on Monday through Mr. Matthew Miller, spokesman for the Department of State.

“We join the calls made by all four of Mozambique’s national political parties in urging a swift and thorough investigation.

“Those responsible for these crimes must be held accountable”, Mr. Miller added.

According to the State Department, the US is the country’s biggest bilateral donor with more than $560 million in aid given to Mozambique each year.

The African Union and Portugal, the former colonial power of Mozambique also denounced the murders.

Mozambique’s official election results are anticipated this week.

Facts about Mozambique

• Mozambique, a nation in Southeastern Africa, is renowned for its diversified culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty.
• The capital of Mozambique is Maputo.
• The official language is Portuguese of the country, with Swahili and other local languages as its communication language.
• Mozambique’s currency is called the Mozambican metical (MZN).
• The bordering countries are Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Swaziland.

Economy

• Agriculture: Cotton, cashews, sugarcane, tea.
• Natural resources: Coal, iron ore, titanium, natural gas.
• Fishing and seafood industry.
• Tourism: Beaches, islands, national parks.
• Challenges: Poverty, corruption, infrastructure.

Culture

• Mozambique has a mix of African, Portuguese, and Islamic influences.
• Marrabenta and Tufo are two of its major traditional music.
• Dance includes the Mapiko and Tchopa.
• The country has some cuisine such as Seafood, xima (cornmeal), and matapa (stew) which are accustomed to its people.
• Festivals include Independence Day and Maputo International Festival.

Places to Visit

• Ilha de Mozambique (Island of Mozambique).
• Maputo: Fortaleza, Cathedral, Central Market.
• Gorongosa National Park.
• Bazaruto Archipelago.
• Niassa National Reserve.

Challenges

• Poverty.
• Corruption.
• Islamist insurgency in Cabo Delgado.
• Climate change (cyclones, droughts).
• HIV/AIDS prevalence.

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