Mozambique inaugurated its new parliament on January 13, 2025, amidst significant unrest and opposition boycotts following disputed election results. The ceremony was marked by a national strike called by opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who claims the elections were rigged in favor of the ruling Frelimo party, which has held power for 50 years.
The elections held on October 9, 2024, have been a source of contention in Mozambique. Official results indicated that Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party won 65% of the presidential vote, while Mondlane claimed he received 53%. The opposition has accused the electoral institutions of manipulating the results to favor Frelimo.
In response to the election results, Mondlane called for a national strike from January 13 to January 15, coinciding with the inauguration of Chapo. Two smaller opposition parties, Renamo and the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), also boycotted the ceremony, stating they do not recognize the election outcome.
The streets of Maputo, typically bustling on a Monday morning, were largely deserted, with many shops closed. Protesters set up barricades in various areas, and military police were deployed to maintain order around the parliament building.
The unrest following the elections has been severe, with reports indicating that around 300 lives have been lost since the election day. Security forces have been accused of using excessive force against demonstrators, leading to fatalities among both protesters and police. In one incident in Matola, a suburb of Maputo, clashes resulted in at least one death.
Despite the boycotts, approximately 250 lawmakers were sworn in, including 171 from Frelimo and 43 from the Podemos party, which is entering parliament for the first time. The new parliament speaker, Margarida Talapa, emphasized the need for unity and solidarity in her inaugural address, acknowledging the difficult circumstances facing the nation.
Call for Dialogue
While there have been calls for dialogue to resolve the political standoff, Mondlane has been excluded from discussions initiated by Chapo and outgoing President Filipe Nyusi with other political leaders. Mondlane has expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations, stating, “I’m here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate… I’m here.”
The situation in Mozambique remains tense as the new government seeks to establish its legitimacy amidst widespread dissent and calls for electoral reform.