Maputo: Mozambique erupts in violence after the top court passed ruling over controversial elections at least 21 dead. The court declared Frelimo party as winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections. It confirmed ruling party candidate, Daniel Chapo won presidential election. This decision invited the severe reaction from opposition party and its supporters.
On Monday, the tension was at peak in the country amid the ruling by The Constitutional Council. The protests started right after the announcement. Pascal Ronald, Mozambique Interior Minister, made news conference on Tuesday in Maputo. He confirmed that youthful supporters are leading this wave of violence on losing of candidate Venancio Mondlane.
Ronald added, “From the preliminary survey, in the last 24 hours, 236 acts of violence were recorded throughout the national territory that resulted in 21 deaths, of which two members of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique also died.”
This politically backed demonstration injured the 13 civilians and 12 police officers. The protestors are setting vehicles on fire, burnt tyres and blocking the main routes. “The armed forces will increase their presence in critical and key points,” the Interior Minister stated.
The opponents and election observers accused Frelimo of rigging votes in Mozambique general elections. The reports claimed that people complained about the years of corruption and unemployment.” Since October 21, more than 130 people lost their lives. Mondlane warned his supporters that “difficult days ahead”.
He posted on social media, “History is made of thorny, rocky moments, but the truth is that victory is guaranteed for all of us.” Mondlane, is in exile himself, blamed the police for threatening behaviour.
The human right and civil society groups accused Mozambican security forces of using extensive power against protests. Though, the ruling party rejected these claims and accusation of rigging election.
