The Mozambican capital, Maputo, woke to scenes of destruction on Friday as protests turned violent overnight following the re-election of the ruling Frelimo party, extending its 49-year hold on power.
Hundreds of opposition supporters took to the streets, rejecting the results as a “stolen” election orchestrated by a “corrupt” electoral commission. On Thursday, the commission announced that Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo candidate, had won the October 9 election with 71% of the vote.
As the election authority—widely accused of bias towards Frelimo—declared the results, protests erupted across multiple cities. Demonstrators set fire to tyres, blocking major avenues in Maputo, and tore down Frelimo election billboards. Some protesters hurled stones at anti-riot police, who responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds, according to an AFP reporter.
Chapo, a 47-year-old former provincial governor with no prior national political experience, was relatively unknown before his surprise nomination by Frelimo. He is set to assume office in January, succeeding President Filipe Nyusi.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who officially secured just over 20% of the vote, rejected the results, declaring himself the rightful winner. During a live broadcast on Facebook Thursday night, Mondlane urged supporters to protest.
“We absolutely reject these results,” he said. “They do not reflect the will of the people.” He described the political situation in Mozambique as “rotten, doctored, and fake.”
Earlier this month, the European Union’s observer mission reported “irregularities during counting” and noted “clear favouritism” towards Frelimo in the election process.