Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, has called for calm, peace, and stability in Mozambique as the nation awaits the official announcement of its election results.
On October 9, Mozambicans cast their votes to elect a new President, who will succeed President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, stepping down as per the constitutional mandate. While the pre-election period was largely peaceful, with political parties freely campaigning across the country, a tragic incident involving the fatal shooting of Mr. Paulo Guambe, a member of the opposition party PODEMOS, and their lawyer Mr. Elvis Dias, has raised concerns and tensions.
In response, Dr. Hassan urged Mozambicans to allow law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident thoroughly and refrain from taking the law into their own hands. She emphasized the importance of patience, asking citizens to await the official election results.
โSADC is aware that the Electoral Management Bodies and other relevant institutions are finalizing the election results, which are expected to be released soon,โ read a statement from Dr. Hassan.
This call for calm comes amid rising tensions, as opposition parties, facing likely defeat, have called for protests, disrupting the peace in parts of Mozambique. However, various observer missions present in the country have given the elections a clean bill of health.
The SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has described the elections as free and fair in its Preliminary Statement. A final report is expected within thirty days of this initial assessment.
โThe SEOM observed that the pre-election and voting phases of the 2024 Presidential, Legislative, and Provincial Elections were professionally organized, conducted peacefully, and in a free atmosphere.
The Mission was particularly heartened by the resilience of the people in Cabo Delgado Province, who turned out to vote despite the ongoing terrorist threats in some districts,โ the report noted.
The ruling party, FRELIMO, which has governed since Mozambiqueโs independence in 1975, is widely expected to win, with its presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, set to take office once the election process concludes.
