The Constitutional Council, Mozambique’s highest court, on Monday confirmed the results of the country’s disputed presidential election, extending the ruling Frelimo party’s grip on power to a 50th year.
The seven-judge bench ruled that Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo had secured 65% of the vote, overturning the initial results of almost 71%. Frelimo has ruled Mozambique since 1975.
Opposition groups have since the October election claimed the results were fake, sparking massive protests across the country.
At least 130 people were killed in clashes with police, according to the civil society watchdog group Plataforma Decide.
Western observers have also said the election was neither free nor fair, while Frelimo has denied allegations of vote fraud.
Opposition protests in Maputo
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane claimed the election was stolen from him and had vowed before the court ruling to call “a popular uprising” if the Constitutional Council approved Chapo’s victory.
“Although the signs were there, we never thought the truth of the election would be trampled,” Judite Simao, a representative of Mondlane, told reporters. “The will of the people was obliterated.”
Mondlane’s supporters once again took to the streets of the capital of the South African nation of Maputo, burning tires and blocking roads.
“Tough days are coming,” the 50-year-old Mondlane said.
mf/sms (Reuters, AFP, AP)
