Mozambique votes for president and the ruling party could extend its 49 years in power

 

Mozambique is holding its presidential election on Wednesday, expecting the ruling Frelimo party toextend its 49-year hold on power since the nation gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s candidate, aims to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has completed his two-term limit. Analysts point to 50-year-old Venancio Mondlane, an independent candidate and newcomer to national politics, as Chapo’s strongest competitor.

In addition to electing the president, citizens will vote for parliamentary representatives and provincial governors in this nation of 33 million people. Mozambique’s history includes a devastating 15-year civil war that ended in 1992, and it continues to face militant insurgencies in the northern Cabo Delgado region. Both presidential candidates have pledged to address the insurgency and restore stability to the region, where over 1.3 million people have been displaced.

Voters are calling for a leader who will tackle government corruption, reduce poverty, and address youth unemployment. The election commission expects vote counting to begin the day after the one-day election, with parliamentary results anticipated by Thursday, and full results expected within 15 days. Around 17 million people are registered to vote in the presidential election.