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Mozambique’s Ruling Party Candidate Takes the Lead in Presidential Election

Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of Mozambique’s ruling party, is poised to become the country’s next president, with preliminary results showing him leading in nine out of 11 provinces. According to the latest vote count, Chapo has secured over 50% of the vote in these provinces, with his closest challenger, independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, trailing behind.

In the capital, Maputo, Chapo is ahead with over 53% of the vote, followed by Mondlane with just under 34%. The chairperson of the Maputo Provincial Election Commission, Lucilia Sitoe, confirmed that Chapo has led at every polling station counted so far. The two other presidential candidates, Ossufo Momade of the opposition Renamo party and Lutero Simango of Mozambique Democratic Movement, have polled 9.6% and 2.86% of the vote in Maputo, respectively.

A similar trend is emerging in other provinces, including Zambezia and Sofala, which are traditionally considered opposition strongholds. In Zambezia, Chapo is leading with 73% of the vote, while in Sofala, he has secured 65% of the vote. However, voter turnout was relatively low, with less than 50% of registered voters casting their ballots. In some provinces, such as Nampula and Cabo Delgado, a significant number of voters stayed home or cast blank ballots, indicating dissatisfaction with the candidates.

Despite the low turnout, the chairman of Mozambique’s national elections commission has assured that every ballot cast will be counted. The commission has implemented a participatory counting system, with representatives from all political parties present at polling stations to ensure the integrity of the process.

Final results are expected in about two weeks, and the next president will face high expectations from the public. According to independent political analyst Dercio Alfazema, the people of Mozambique are looking for a government that can deliver on its promises, including ending corruption, improving security, and providing better healthcare and education. The president-elect will be sworn into office in January, replacing current President Filipe Nyusi, who is barred by the constitution from running again.