Mozambique Opposition Figures Shot Dead as Vote-rigging Allegations Fuel Protests

Two Mozambique opposition officials, lawyer Elvino Dias and Podemos party representative Paulo Guambe, were shot and killed by unidentified assailants in Maputo, the nation’s capital, sparking heightened tensions ahead of election protests. The murders occurred as the country awaited the final results of the disputed October 9 election, which Podemos and other opposition groups claim was rigged in favor of the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo). Western observers have also raised concerns about the polls, citing reports of vote-buying, intimidation, and inflated voter rolls in Frelimo strongholds. According to the latest election tally, Frelimo’s candidate is leading in all of the country’s 11 provinces, with final results to be announced on October 24. The killings, which are seen as politically motivated, have since been denounced by several groups, including Mozambique’s Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CDD).

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA