On October 9, 17 million voters are expected to cast ballots in Mozambique, determining the makeup of the country’s 250-member parliament and provincial assemblies.
It is expected that the Frelimo party, which has controlled the country since its independence from Portugal in 1975, will choose a member from inside to run for president again.
With 31 million people living there, the nation anticipates Daniel Chapo, the head of the ruling party, succeeding Filipe Nyusi as president. In the past, Chapo taught law and worked as a radio presenter.
Julio Macamo, a resident of Maputo, said, “We hope for a better future. We want our new government to succeed because of our previous experiences.”
Change is being sought for by at least four contenders in a nation that has been hit by flooding and severe weather in addition to a terrorist insurgency.
Due to the insurgency, almost 1.3 million people have been forced to flee their homes, and millions more are suffering from severe food shortages as a result of the drought.
Maputo resident Sheila Duarte Timana states, “I think the people will be very happy if the president-elect delivers the improved conditions we’ve been asking for.”
Violent protests broke out in Mozambique’s capital city of Maputo and its environs following severe accusations of vote-rigging and fraud in the country’s local elections last year. The worries don’t seem to be as great this time.
(Africanews)
