The European Union has noted the proclamation by Constitutional Council of the results of the general elections held on 9 October, 2024 announcing Daniel Chapo as President of the Republic of Mozambique.
In a statement released by the Spokesman on Tuesday, the EU is extremely concerned by the post-election violence and deplores the considerable loss of lives that occurred so far.
The Commission urged all sides to maintain restraint and refrain from any action that may further exacerbate tensions while called for accountability and justice to tackle instances of human rights violations.
As testimony of the EU’s continued engagement on contributing to strengthening Mozambican democracy and following an invitation by the authorities of Mozambique, the EU deployed an Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to observe the electoral process.
EU EOM noted irregularities during counting of votes and unjustified alteration of election results. It called on the electoral bodies for the maximum transparency of the counting and tabulation process.
The EU reiterated its available to support Mozambique on the reform of the electoral system. “Up-coming EU recommendations could contribute to such reform”.
The EU encouraged the President-elect and the new Administration to swiftly engage in a constructive dialogue with the opposition and with relevant civil society organisations, to restore the social contract with the population and uphold democratic values and human rights.
“The EU-Mozambique partnership is far-reaching with the Mozambican people as its cornerstone”. The EU renewed its commitment to support a prosperous and peaceful future for the people of Mozambique.
It was reported that Daniel Chapo has been pronounced Mozambique’s next president and the winner of the disputed elections that took place in October.
Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, which made the pronouncement, said Chapo won with 65.17%, not 70%, as initially announced immediately after the elections.
It also pronounced that the main opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane got 24.19% while Venâncio Mondlane called for a five day shutdown protest just before the predictable announcement was made.
This earlier announcement triggered nearly two months of violent demonstrations and shutdowns, led by Venâncio Mondlane, who did not recognize the results. These events resulted in at least 130 deaths during clashes with the police.Mondlane, supported by the Extraparliamentary Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), had been announced by the CNE as finishing second with 20.32%.
He was followed by Ossufo Momade, leader of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), previously the largest opposition party, who received 5.81% of the vote (403,591 votes).
Lutero Simango, leader of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), the third-largest parliamentary party, secured 3.21% (223,066 votes).
The October 9 general elections included the seventh presidential elections, in which outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, having completed two terms, did not run. The polls were held simultaneously with legislative, provincial assembly, and provincial governor elections.
