Mon Dec 23 16:23:09 UTC 2024: ## Mozambique’s Ruling Party Wins Election Amidst Violent Protests

**Maputo, Mozambique –** Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed the victory of the ruling party, Frelimo, in the October 2024 presidential elections on Monday, December 23rd, 2024. The announcement, which followed weeks of violent protests, solidifies Frelimo’s half-century hold on power.

While the Constitutional Council validated Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo’s victory with 65% of the vote (a slight revision down from initial figures), the election has been widely criticized. Opposition groups allege widespread fraud, triggering massive protests that, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide, have resulted in at least 130 deaths in clashes with police. These represent the largest anti-government demonstrations in Mozambique’s history.

International observers have echoed concerns about the election’s fairness, declaring it neither free nor fair. Frelimo, however, has consistently denied allegations of electoral manipulation. The Constitutional Council’s decision is expected to further inflame tensions within the nation of nearly 35 million people. The provisional results from the electoral commission, which hasn’t addressed fraud accusations, showed a landslide victory for Chapo and an increased parliamentary majority for Frelimo.

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