Observers from the European Union have raised concerns about the “unjustified alteration” of certain results in Mozambique’s recent general election, following allegations by a prominent opposition candidate that his lawyer was killed by the government.
These developments unfolded after citizens in Mozambique took to the streets to protest against suspected fraud during the presidential and parliamentary elections held on October 9.
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) highlighted discrepancies in the counting process and unauthorized changes to election outcomes at polling stations and district levels, emphasizing the need for transparent and credible ballot counting procedures with verifiable results.
Presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane released a video on Facebook accusing security forces of fatally shooting his lawyer, Elvino Dias, alleging that it was a targeted attack. Mondlane also expressed concerns about his own safety, claiming there is a bounty on his life.
Dias, who intended to challenge early election results favoring the ruling Frelimo party in court, was gunned down alongside Paulo Guambe from Mondlane’s supporting Podemos party while they were in a vehicle in Maputo.
‘Restraint’
In response to escalating tensions and violence surrounding the elections, EU observers called for “utmost restraint” from all parties involved. They condemned the killings of Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe as well as urged for peaceful resolution amidst social unrest.
On Monday, The United States also denounced these violent acts against Dias and Guambe according to reports from US Department of State.