Mozambique awaits Constitutional Court ruling on disputed election

Staff Reporter

Mozambique braces for a pivotal ruling on Monday to finalize the results of October’s contested elections, following allegations of rigging that sparked weeks of protests and left dozens dead at the hands of security forces.

The ruling party Frelimo was declared winner of the October 9 elections, extending its five-decade rule as the opposition accused it of fraud.

The election results must be validated by the Constitutional Council, the country’s top court, which says it will issue the final results at 3PM on Monday.

The main opposition presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has threatened “chaos” if the constitutional council confirms the initial election results.

Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo, 47, is poised to succeed President Filipe Nyusi to become Mozambique’s fifth president since its independence from Portugal in 1975. Nyusi is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms.

Chapo won over 70 of votes, according to the country’s electoral commission.