Mozambique has officially kicked off a 45-day election campaign ahead of the October 9 elections, which will determine the nation’s next president and its 250-member parliament. President Filipe Nyusi is set to step down in January, completing his second five-year term, with four candidates vying to succeed him.
The election is expected to be a closely contested race, particularly between the ruling Frelimo party’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, and independent candidate Venâncio Mondlane. Other contenders include Ossufo Momade from the former rebel Renamo party and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement.
Over 17 million registered voters will head to the polls amid challenges including a prolonged insurgency in the oil-rich Cabo Delgado province and widespread corruption.
Daniel Chapo launched his campaign in Beira, drawing on his background of overcoming adversity, including surviving Mozambique’s civil war, to argue that he is the right leader to improve the country’s economic fortunes. “We want to combat bureaucracy, combat corruption, and create laws that facilitate a good business environment,” Chapo declared.
Meanwhile, Venâncio Mondlane, under the slogan “Save Mozambique! This country is ours!” has promised to establish an honest and transparent government and to remove Mozambique from the list of the world’s poorest countries. Starting his campaign in a suburb of Maputo, he vowed to end the partisan state and ensure that resources benefit local provinces.
The election’s outcome will significantly impact Mozambique’s future, particularly in addressing the challenges of insurgency and corruption.
- Tags: Elections, Mozambique
