SADC Troika urges patience in Mozambique ahead of final election poll tally

Harare, (New Ziana) – Southern African Development Community (SADC) Troika chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday called for patience in Mozambique ahead of the announcement of the final election results.

Mozambique held its three-tier general elections to elect the President, legislature and provincial representatives, on October 15 this year.

Results counted so far have pointed to a win by incumbent President Filipe Nyusi of the Frelimo party, with the main opposition, Renamo having rejected the partial results, calling for a fresh election amid claims of fraud and serious irregularities.

“SADC reiterates its call to all stakeholders to remain patient and calm while the results continue to be compiled for the final validation and proclamation by the Constitutional Council of the Republic of Mozambique,” President Mnangagwa said.

In the event of disagreements, the Sadc Troika chairperson, urged political parties “to resort to relevant legal mechanisms for the settlement of electoral disputes.”

President Mnangagwa called on the parties to observe the “spirit” of the peace and national reconciliation agreement, which the once warring parties signed last year.

“SADC reaffirms its support and commitment to the enhancement of democracy in Mozambique and the region as a whole,” he said.

Zimbabwean Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri, is leading the regional body’s election observer mission to the southern African country.

The mission is yet to issue its final report on the polls, but in its initial statement, it lauded Mozambicans for the peaceful vote.

Other observer groups, mainly from Europe, have expressed reservations on the conduct of the poll although they said it did not affect the outcome.

Mozambique’s National Election Commission has 15 days after the poll within which it must announce the final results.
New Ziana