Mozambique: Election tensions escalate with assassination of opposition officials; calls for nationwide strike

Gunmen in Mozambique have killed two opposition officials, escalating tensions following a disputed election. Elvino Dias, a lawyer for the Podemos party, and Paulo Guambe, a party representative, were fatally shot in Maputo.

The killings occurred amidst growing unrest over the October 9 election results, which show the ruling Frelimo party leading. Podemos, supporting independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, has rejected the provisional results, and called for a nationwide strike.
The party and other opposition groups accuse Frelimo of electoral fraud, with Western observers also expressing doubts about the poll’s integrity. Reports of vote-buying, intimidation, and inflated voter rolls in Frelimo strongholds have fueled concerns.

Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo is expected to succeed President Filipe Nyusi. Human rights organizations have confirmed the attack, with some describing it as a “political assassination.” The incident has heightened fears of violence during planned protests.

Mozambique’s history of electoral disputes and security forces’ past use of force against protesters add to the tense atmosphere. As the country awaits final results on October 24, there are growing concerns about potential unrest and the implications for Mozambique’s fragile democracy.

The killings have further polarized the political landscape, with opposition parties viewing them as an attempt to suppress dissent and challenge the election outcome.