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MAPUTO. – Mozambique’s ruling party Frelimo retained power in this month’s national election, extending its five-decade rule in the Southern African state.
Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo (47) will succeed President Filipe Nyusi to become Mozambique’s fifth president since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
President Nyusi is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms.
Mr Chapo won over 70 percent of votes, the electoral commission said yesterday.
Mr Venancio Mondlane, backed by the Podemos party, came second with 20 percent of votes, displacing former rebel movement, Renamo, which had been the official opposition party but whose candidate came third this time around.
Mr Chapo said in his victory speech: “We remained silent all this time, for respecting the law.
“We are an organised party that prepares its victories.”
President Nyusi followed the election results with a jubilant television address to the nation.
“With more than 70 percent of the votes, I don’t see any teacher failing a student,” he said.
Mr Chapo will be sworn into office in January.
In parliament, Frelimo increased its number of seats to 195 out of 250, more than the 184 it had before.
The country of nearly 35 million people is struggling with a large debt burden and worsening climate shocks, including drought and cyclones. — Reuters.
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