By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Mozambique is preparing for crucial elections this week, with nearly 17 million voters choosing a new president and members of parliament amid a jihadist insurgency in Cabo Delgado province and severe drought-induced hunger. Current President Filipe Nyusi cannot run again, and candidates are promising to address the violence, though specific plans remain unclear.
Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party highlighted the need for peace to foster development, stating, “The first objective of governance is to work to end terrorism using all available means to return peace.” Opponents, including Lutero Simango and independent candidate Venacio Mondlane, also pledged to tackle the insurgency, with Mondlane asserting he could eliminate terrorism within a year.
The elections are marred by past corruption scandals involving Frelimo, including the “tuna bond” scandal that caused a financial crisis. Observers from the Southern African Development Community are monitoring the elections after allegations of fraud in local polls last year. Political analyst Dercia Alfazema noted Frelimo’s entrenched support, while Borges Nhamire from the Institute for Security Studies warned that the new president will face significant challenges during this tumultuous period.
SOURCE: Africanews, with AP
