Mnangagwa congratulates Frelimo's Daniel Chapo ami...

Mnangagwa congratulates Frelimo's Daniel Chapo amid Mozambique election unrest

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has extended congratulations to Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of Mozambique's ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party, amidst controversy surrounding the country's recent elections . Preliminary results indicate a landslide victory for Frelimo, but opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has rejected the outcome, citing alleged fraud .

Mozambique's elections, held on October 9, have been marred by reports of irregularities, including unjustified changes to election results at polling stations and district levels . The European Union Election Observation Mission Mozambique (EU EOM) has highlighted these concerns, casting a shadow over the legitimacy of the polls .

Mnangagwa's congratulatory message emphasizes the "long-existing revolutionary unity" between Zimbabwe's Zanu PF party and Frelimo . This gesture of solidarity comes as no surprise, given the historical ties between the two parties, which have collaborated closely since the struggle against apartheid and racism.

Interestingly, reports suggest that a significant number of Zimbabweans voted in favor of Frelimo in Mozambique's elections . The Southern African Development Community (Sadc), chaired by Mnangagwa, observed the voting process, albeit with limited coverage of only 1% of the country's 25,000 polling stations .

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa faces internal challenges within Zanu PF, with factionalism brewing over a proposed constitutional amendment to extend his term of office beyond 2028 . The president has emphasized the importance of constitutionalism, discipline, and unity within the party, while also highlighting the irreversible nature of Zimbabwe's land reform program .

As the situation in Mozambique continues to unfold, with the final election outcome expected by Friday, regional and international observers will be watching closely to ensure a peaceful and democratic resolution.