FRELIMO Leads Provisional Results in Mozambique Election

In Mozambique's recent elections held on October 9, 2024, provisional results show the ruling party FRELIMO, led by presidential candidate Daniel Chapo, maintaining a significant lead across all 11 provinces. Chapo is poised to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served two terms, while opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, running as an independent, alleges electoral fraud and has called for a nationwide strike on October 21. Despite FRELIMO's historical dominance since independence in 1975, opposition groups have raised concerns about vote manipulation and intimidation, echoing claims that the election did not meet international democratic standards. Mondlane, claiming to be leading in his own tallies, also faced police intervention during a protest in Nampula, where his supporters were arrested. Further results are expected by October 24, with opposition leaders hinting at legal challenges against the election outcomes. Observers report widespread discontent, with significant voter apathy reflected in low turnout rates of less than 50%.