Fresh faces in Mozambique’s poll as independence era leaders bow out

Mozambique is gearing up for a significant election that signals the potential end of an era shaped by leaders who emerged from the independence struggle against Portuguese colonialism. For the first time, the ruling Frelimo party has nominated a presidential candidate, the dynamic 47-year-old Daniel Chapo, who was born after the nation achieved independence. His candidacy is seen as an attempt to invigorate voters who have grown disenchanted with Frelimo’s nearly five-decade rule.

Political commentator Charles Mangwiro observes a notable shift in public sentiment, saying, “In some areas, Frelimo campaign members have faced booing and outright rejection.” This upcoming election on Wednesday will not only decide the presidency but will also fill key parliamentary and gubernatorial positions in a country wrestling with a violent insurgency in its northern regions.

After two terms in office, President Filipe Nyusi is stepping aside, hoping to pass the baton to Chapo. Nyusi’s government has been marred by the fallout from the infamous “tuna bond” corruption scandal, which has plunged the country into economic turmoil. In contrast, Chapo embodies a potential breath of fresh air. His campaign rallies have drawn large crowds eager for change, and he has distanced himself from the corruption that has long plagued Frelimo since its establishment in 1975. One of his campaign songs resonates with supporters: “Brother Dan is honesty in person… He is the voice of hope we want to embrace… It’s time for change.”

However, significant hurdles remain. Human rights activist and journalist Mirna Chitsungo expresses doubt about Chapo’s ability to effect real change within a party historically linked to corruption. “If we have a degraded country, it is because of corruption. He faces the challenge of promising to fight this evil while belonging to a party that has perpetuated it on a large scale,” she pointed out.

Chapo’s journey into politics began in 2011 as a district administrator, and he rapidly ascended to governor of Inhambane province by 2019 before becoming Frelimo’s general secretary earlier this year.

While Chapo has pledged a new era for Mozambique if elected, critics warn that Frelimo may resort to electoral fraud to ensure victory. A report from the Centro de Integridade Pública, a prominent NGO in Mozambique, indicates that around 5% of names on the voter rolls could be “ghost voters.” Analyst Joe Hanlon has raised alarms about data from the Central National Elections Commission, which suggests nearly 900,000 extra registered voters compared to the actual voting-age population in some provinces.

Both the ruling party and the election commission deny any allegations of misconduct, asserting that the elections will be conducted freely and fairly. Chapo will be contesting against three other candidates: independent Venâncio Mondlane, Ossufo Momade from the main opposition Renamo party, and Lutero Simango of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), all of whom are prioritizing economic growth and lowering living costs.

Mondlane, a former banker and a newcomer to the political scene, has resonated with younger voters through his slogan, “Save Mozambique – this country is ours.” He gained considerable attention after claiming he was cheated out of the mayoral election in Maputo last year, which he insists was rigged in favor of the Frelimo candidate.

Momade, who took the helm of Renamo after the passing of Afonso Dhlakama, has also alleged election fraud in the past but remains dedicated to maintaining peace following a lengthy civil war. Nevertheless, Mondlane’s rise as a contender poses a challenge to Momade’s campaign strategy.

Chapo seems to be capitalizing on this division, betting that the rivalry between Momade and Mondlane will work to his advantage. His commitment is clear, as he has actively sought donations from Mozambicans living in South Africa to support his campaign’s vision for renewal.

Both political analysts and participants agree that while the violence in Cabo Delgado is crucial, it has not taken center stage in this election. Instead, the pressing challenge for any new president will be tackling the severe economic issues facing the country, with an astonishing 62% of the population living in extreme poverty.

As candidates gear up for their final rallies ahead of the election, Charles Mangwiro insists that the outcome remains uncertain: “It’s too close to call.”