Tensions Rise in Mozambique as Electoral Commission Ruling Ignored
In a dramatic turn of events, Mozambique’s State Secretariat of Electoral Management (STAE) has ignored a ruling by the National Election Commission (CNE), leading to a confrontation with police and tear gas being fired. The dispute centers around the appointment of polling station heads, with opposition leaders accusing the ruling party, Frelimo, of attempting to manipulate the electoral process.
According to reports, Frelimo had named trainers to become polling station chairs, despite a lack of open competition for the positions as required by law. The CNE eventually ruled that trainers could not automatically become polling station chairs, but STAE ignored this decision and attempted to send out polling station staff, including the improperly named chairs.
Opposition leaders objected to the move, blocking the cars and prompting STAE to call in the riot police. Tear gas was fired, and the STAE cars were forced to leave for the polling stations.
Meanwhile, secret meetings between Frelimo and returning officers continued, with the party distributing allowances to presidents, vice-presidents, and polling station secretaries. The amounts varied from 10,000 to 30,000 Meticais ($150-$450), with those working in opposition strongholds receiving more than those in Frelimo-dominated areas.
In a shocking revelation, sources revealed that those who received the payments were told that Frelimo and its presidential candidate must win with 85% of the vote, and that they should also do everything they can to invalidate opposition votes.
Tragedy struck on Tuesday morning when a road accident in Alto Molócuè claimed the life of a woman and left two others seriously injured. The accident involved two Mitsubishi Fuso lorries carrying polling station staff, and the injured were evacuated to the Alto Molócuè rural hospital.
As tensions continue to rise in Mozambique, the international community is closely watching the situation, with many expressing concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
