EU Observers Note Irregularities in Mozambique Vote Counting

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Facts

  • In a statement issued on Tuesday, the EU election observation mission to Mozambique flagged irregularities during vote counting and the 'unjustified alteration' of results at polling station and district level.[1]
  • EU observers added that they have been barred from observing tabulation processes in some districts and provinces and at the national level. Earlier, they reported witnessing ballot box stuffing in six provinces.[1][2]
  • This comes as thousands joined nationwide protests on Monday against alleged fraud in the Oct. 9 election and the killing of two opposition figures, with more than 100 reportedly detained in a police crackdown.[3][4][5]
  • Elvino Dias, a lawyer and adviser to presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, and Paulo Guambe, the spokesperson for the opposition Podemos party, were killed in Maputo on Friday after gunmen fired at the car they were in.[6][7]
  • Mozambique's election authority is due to announce official results by Friday — most likely on Thursday — pending validation by the Constitutional Council, which must previously resolve any election-related disputes.[5][8][6]
  • Daniel Chapo, the nominee for the Frelimo Party, is expected to defeat Mondlane, Lutero Simango and main opposition Renamo's candidate, Ossufo Momade, and succeed outgoing Pres. Filipe Nyusi.[3][5][6]

Sources: [1]European Union Election Observation Mission Mozambique 2024, [2]allAfrica.com, [3]Al Jazeera, [4]Aimnews, [5]BBC News, [6]Associated Press, [7]Guardian and [8]Lusa.

Narratives

  • Narrative A, as provided by EUobserver. The EU is currently in a difficult position with regard to Mozambique — and that may affect the credibility of its future election observation missions. Despite EU observers tending to allege rigging only in most blatant cases, a strong message is unlikely as defense and security deals were signed earlier this year.
  • Narrative B, as provided by ISS Africa. Both EU and local observers agree that the Oct. 9 election has been rigged. Now, it's about time for regional actors such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community to take action to prevent Mozambique's democracy from collapsing altogether.