Daniel Chapo Secures Presidency in Mozambique Amid Violent Election Period

Mozambique’s National Electoral Commission (CNE) announced on Thursday that Daniel Chapo, candidate of the ruling party, emerged victorious in the presidential elections held on October 9. Chapo, 47, will take office following the conclusion of President Filipe Nyusi’s two-term limit.

Chapo achieved a decisive win, claiming 71% of the vote and defeating his main opponent, Venancio Mondlane of the Podemos party, who garnered 20%. Mondlane previously alleged that the election process was manipulated to benefit the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), which has held power since the country’s independence nearly five decades ago.

The election period was marred by violence, including the fatal shooting of two Podemos members, Elvino Dias, Mondlane’s lawyer, and Paulo Guambe, a party official, who were killed on Saturday when their vehicle was attacked by gunmen in Maputo.