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MAPUTO. — Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo party yesterday released a shortlist of three candidates ahead of next year’s elections to succeed President Armando Guebuza. Party heavyweights narrowed the choice down to a trio of staunch Guebuza loyalists: Prime Minister Alberto Vaquina (52), Agriculture Minister Jose Pacheco (55), and Defence Minister Felipe Nhusse (54).
The party’s decision-making authority selected the three after a meeting held last Wednesday, Damiao Jose told AFP. It is unclear when it will make its final decision.
Presidential polls are due in October 2014.
Guebuza, who took over from Joaquim Chissano in January 2005, is due to step down next year after two terms, the maximum allowed by the constitution.
A medical doctor who trained in Portugal, Vaquina was appointed prime minister in 2012 after Guebuza sacked his predecessor Aires Ali, who had been widely tipped as the presidential heir.
Former interior minister Pacheco rose to public prominence as the government’s chief negotiator in talks with opposition group Renamo, which recently took up arms again. Nhusse was appointed defence minister in 2008. — AFP.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu