Gunmen Kill Two Opposition Officials in Mozambique Amid Election Tensions
Tensions continue to rise in Mozambique following the assassination of two opposition officials, sparking concerns of further unrest as the country awaits the final results of its October 9 elections. Videos circulating on social media depict a bullet-riddled BMW SUV, with two lifeless bodies in the front seats—one man with visible bloodstains on his chest and the other slumped over.
The killings come at a critical moment as the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) faces renewed accusations of election rigging and suppression of dissent. Frelimo, which has ruled for 49 years, is leading the provisional vote count, with its candidate Daniel Chapo expected to succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi. However, opposition groups have rejected the preliminary results, alleging electoral fraud.
Opposition Responds with Nationwide Strike Call
Podemos, one of the leading opposition parties, condemned the attack as “further clear evidence of the lack of justice” in Mozambique. Although Venancio Mondlane, an independent presidential candidate, received Podemos’ backing, his campaign has also challenged the credibility of the election process. In response to the disputed results, Podemos has called for a nationwide strike on Monday, heightening fears of potential violence.
Adriano Nuvunga, director of Mozambique’s Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD), described the killings as a “cold-blooded murder” and reported that the attackers fired 10 to 15 bullets, killing the officials instantly. Human Rights Watch has also confirmed the incident.
Election Fraud Allegations and Concerns of Violence
The opposition and international observers have criticized the election, citing alleged voter intimidation, vote-buying, and inflated voter rolls in Frelimo-dominated regions. Western monitors have expressed skepticism about the fairness of the process, warning that the election may not reflect the will of the people.
Mozambique’s security forces have a history of suppressing protests with deadly force. Rights groups recall how police opened fire on demonstrators following last year’s controversial local elections. With final election results expected on October 24, concerns are mounting that Monday’s protests could escalate into violent confrontations.
Nuvunga took to social media, calling the murder of one of the officials, Dias, a “political assassination.” The recent attack underscores the fragility of Mozambique’s democracy, which has faced challenges since Frelimo transitioned to multiparty elections in 1994 after nearly two decades in power.
The situation in Mozambique remains tense as the opposition, backed by Podemos and other parties, challenges the legitimacy of the electoral process. The international community will be closely monitoring Monday’s strike and the security forces’ response. All eyes are now on October 24, when the final election results will be announced, as the country stands at a political crossroads.
This developing story highlights Mozambique’s ongoing struggle with electoral transparency, political violence, and the challenges of democratic governance under long-term rule.
Source : Swifteradio.com
