Mozambique’s top court has ratified the ruling party Frelimo’s victory in the disputed October elections, igniting widespread protests from opposition groups who allege the vote was manipulated.
The Constitutional Council’s decision on Monday solidified Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo’s overwhelming presidential win and the party’s strengthened parliamentary majority, despite allegations of fraud. Western observers criticized the election as neither free nor fair, but Frelimo has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Violent clashes between protesters and police have erupted since the election, leaving at least 130 dead, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide. The unrest marks the strongest public challenge to Frelimo’s rule since the party came to power after independence in 1975.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who has fled the country citing security fears, claims an independent count shows he was the true winner. He has called for a “popular uprising” in response to the court’s ruling, warning of “difficult days ahead.”
Tensions are still high in the capital, Maputo, where businesses remain closed, and police have sealed off major roads. Chapo, 47, is set to take office on January 15, becoming Mozambique’s first post-independence-born leader.
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