Defeated Dhlakama calls for unity govt

MAPUTO — Mozambique’s main opposition leader Afonso Dhlakama believes he won last week’s election and reportedly wants a government of national unity, APA reported yesterday.
According to local media reports, Dhlakama is calling for negotiations that would result in a unity government, which would totally restructure the state apparatus and security forces to remove Frelimo influence and lead to fresh elections in two years.

“I want support for a unity government that would finally bring democracy to Mozambique,” he reportedly said.

The opposition candidate said this is not about winning or losing elections, but this was not a real election, and that diplomats should not accept in Africa an election which would not be acceptable in Europe.

In particular, he is maintaining the implicit threat of violence. Young Renamo supporters attacked polling stations in Tete and Ihla de Mocambique on Wednesday, and Renamo has not demobilised or disarmed the men who attacked the N1 road in Sofala.

According to media reports, he is telling diplomats that he does not want violence, but his supporters are angry and he is not sure he can control them.

Meanwhile, UN chief Ban Ki-moon has called on all stakeholders in Mozambique to continue working together and “engage constructively” as they wait for general election results.

The UN secretary-general commended the people of Mozambique for the calm atmosphere during the presidential, legislative and provincial elections held last week.

In a statement, he noted that the elections were considered by national and international observer missions to be “generally peaceful and transparent” despite some localised incidents.

Mozambicans went to the polls to elect their fourth president since the country’s independence in 1975, as well as a new parliament and provincial assemblies.

“The secretary-general calls on all stakeholders to continue working together in the framework of the electoral law and to engage constructively throughout the electoral process while waiting for the announcement of final results,” said the statement. — APA/Xinhua.