EU Blasts Mozambique’s Elections as ‘Rigged’

The European Union, in a report released on Thursday, described as “astonishing” the extent of vote-rigging in last October’s elections in Mozambique.

The EU observers gave a withering assessment of the polls, saying they found fraud at almost every stage of the process. The election – meant to help cement a peace deal in the southern African nation – was won by the governing Frelimo party.

The Frelimo candidate and outgoing president, Filipe Nyusi, won the general elections for his second term, according to National Election Commission (CNE).

With regard to the election of deputies of the Assembly of the Republic, Frelimo obtained 184 seats, against 60 for Renamo and only six for MDM. In the last legislature, Frelimo had 144 deputies, Renamo 89 and MDM 17.

About 40 parties and coalitions of political parties participated in the elections. Although the process was marred by disputes, fraud and violence, the CNE said the elections were peaceful and successful.

In it observation report, the EU was especially critical of irregularities in opposition strongholds, which, it said, benefitted Frelimo and its candidates.

The Mozambican electoral commission’s competence and credibility were not just questioned by the EU, but ridiculed.

African observer missions, and heads of state, have already given the election results and winners their blessing. A successful legal challenge – as seen recently in neighboring Malawi – is considered unlikely.