Mozambique inaugurated its new parliament on Monday amidst tense conditions, with the capital’s streets largely deserted after opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane called for a strike in protest of the disputed election results.
Two smaller opposition parties, Renamo and MDM, boycotted the ceremony, rejecting the outcome of the October elections. Meanwhile, incoming president Daniel Chapo called for unity and calm after months of deadly unrest that has left the country in turmoil.
Mondlane, who commands a strong following among marginalized youth, has claimed that the elections were rigged in favor of the ruling Frelimo party, which has held power for five decades. Over the weekend, he urged his supporters to stage a nationwide strike from Monday to Wednesday, coinciding with Chapo’s presidential swearing-in, to demonstrate their rejection of the official results.
On Monday, military police secured the parliament building, while authorities blocked key roads leading to the area. The normally bustling city center was eerily empty, with shops closed and protesters erecting barricades in some neighborhoods, according to an AFP journalist.
Inside parliament, representatives from Frelimo, which won 171 seats, and the Podemos party, which secured 43 seats, took their oaths in the 250-seat assembly. However, 28 MPs from Renamo and 8 from MDM abstained in protest. Renamo described the session as a “social outrage” and a blatant disregard for the people’s will, citing the absence of “free, fair, and transparent” elections, while MDM framed its boycott as a stand for “electoral truth.”
Official results declared Chapo the winner with 65% of the presidential vote, compared to Mondlane’s 24%. However, Mondlane contests these results, claiming he secured 53% of the vote and accusing electoral authorities of manipulating the outcome.
Mondlane, who recently returned to Mozambique after fleeing abroad following the assassination of his lawyer on October 19, was greeted by thousands of supporters in the city center. This sparked violent clashes with security forces, leaving at least three dead, according to election monitors.
Since the contentious October 9 election, ongoing unrest has claimed approximately 300 lives, according to local human rights groups. Security forces have been accused of using excessive violence, including live ammunition, against demonstrators. Police casualties have also been reported.
The unrest has caused significant damage to Mozambique’s economy, disrupting cross-border trade, shipping, mining, and industrial activities.
Mondlane has described the swearing-in of parliament as “a betrayal of the people’s will,” and urged citizens to protest against “those who betrayed the people” on Monday and “those who stole their will” on Wednesday.
Ahead of the parliamentary session, Chapo emphasized the need for national unity and stability. “With a new parliament, we can move forward together to develop our country,” he said, advocating for “open and honest debate.”
Former President Joaquim Chissano also spoke, urging the new parliament to focus on solving the country’s pressing issues. “The debates must aim to find solutions,” he stated.
Despite repeated calls for dialogue, Mondlane has been excluded from discussions with Chapo and outgoing President Filipe Nyusi. However, Mondlane reiterated his willingness to negotiate, saying, “I’m here to say, in person, that if you want to negotiate, I’m available.”
