Mozambique Opposition Leader to Install Himself as President Despite Election Defeat

Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has declared his intent to install himself as president on January 15, rejecting his defeat in the country’s October presidential elections.

Mondlane’s announcement comes as violence continues to grip the nation, with widespread protests and clashes erupting across the country, including the capital, Maputo.

Mondlane, who contested the election as an independent candidate after leaving the opposition party Renamo, had challenged the result, claiming the poll was rigged.

The October election saw Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo declared the winner, with the electoral commission initially awarding him 71% of the vote to Mondlane’s 20%.

After review by the constitutional court, Chapo’s victory was revised to 65%, with Mondlane’s share rising to 24%.

Mondlane has not accepted the court’s ruling and, in a Facebook live broadcast, declared he would assume the presidency on January 15, the day Chapo is set to be sworn in.

Mondlane, currently living in self-imposed exile, called for peaceful protests but urged his supporters to avoid violence. “We are with the people.

We do not advocate any form of violence,” Mondlane said, despite the violent clashes that have already resulted in at least 21 deaths since Monday, according to the interior minister.

The unrest has been the worst in Mozambique in decades, with Frelimo party offices, police stations, and other government buildings being looted and set on fire.

On Christmas Eve, Maputo resembled a ghost town, with most businesses closed and residents staying indoors amid the violence.

While Mondlane continues to rally support, Chapo has yet to comment on his rival’s declaration.

The situation remains tense, with rights groups accusing security forces of contributing to the violence, which has claimed over 100 lives since the election.

As the standoff intensifies, Mozambique’s future remains uncertain, with both leaders determined to secure their political future, leaving the country on the brink of further unrest.