Clashes in Mozambique as opposition protests election ‘fraud’
Al Jazeera
Anger mounts after election authorities say Frelimo party won October vote, extending its 49-year rule.
Police have fired tear gas at protesters in Mozambique in the biggest demonstration yet against the long-ruling Frelimo party, which was declared the winner of disputed elections last month.
Anger has mounted since election authorities said Frelimo won the October 9 vote, extending its 49 years in power. Human rights groups said at least 18 people have been killed in the police crackdown on protests since then.
The general election was hotly contested with many young people supporting independent presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane, who said the vote was rigged and called for a week of protests culminating on Thursday. Civil society groups and Western observers also said the election was unfair and results were altered.
On Thursday, police used tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters in the capital, Maputo.
Mondlane – a 50-year-old former radio presenter who, according to official results, lost to Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo – said it was a “crucial moment” for the country.
