Police in Mozambique fire tear gas at opposition politician as post-election tensions soar
Associated PressOCT 20 2024
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the EU election observation mission to Mozambique flagged irregularities during vote counting and the "unjustified alteration" of results at polling station and district level.
EU observers added that they have been barred from observing tabulation processes in some districts and provinces, and at the national level. Earlier, they reported witnessing ballot box stuffing in six provinces.EU observers added that they have been barred from observing tabulation processes in some districts and provinces and at the national level. Earlier, they reported witnessing ballot box stuffing in six provinces.
This comes as thousands joined nationwide protests on Monday against alleged fraud in the Oct. 9 election and the killing of two opposition figures, with more than one hundred reportedly detained in a police crackdown.This comes as thousands joined nationwide protests on Monday against alleged fraud in the Oct. 9 election and the killing of two opposition figures, with more than 100 reportedly detained in a police crackdown.
The EU is currently in a difficult position with regard to Mozambique — and that may affect the credibility of its future election observation missions. Despite EU observers tendtending to allege rigging only in most blatant cases, so one would expect a strong message now.is Thatunlikely may not be the case, though, as defense and security deals were signed earlier this year.
Pro-EstBoth EU and local observers agree that the Oct. 9 election has been rigged. Now, it's about time for regional actors such as the African Union and the Southern African Development Community to take action to prevent Mozambique's democracy from collapsing altogether.