The European Union (EU) expressed concern this Saturday, 28 October, about reports of irregularities in the local elections in Mozambique, which took place on 11 October, and says it is closely monitoring the aftermath of the electoral process.
In a statement released yesterday, the EU emphasised that “Mozambican society was actively engaged in the electoral process and participated on a large scale”, and then expressed concern about “the reports of irregularities”, hoping that “these will be duly dealt with to ensure a peaceful and satisfactory outcome of the ballot, in full respect for the rule of law and democratic principles”.
The European Union also regretted the death of two people during the demonstrations on Friday (27) and called on all those involved to “act peacefully”, and on the authorities to “guarantee the safe exercise of the right to freedom of association and expression”.
According to the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), in the city of Nampula, a policeman died on Friday, the victim of attacks by people, in retaliation for having shot a child leaving school, in the context of the demonstrations.
The same NGO said that in the city of Nacala, a young man lost his life when he was hit by a blunt object in the main local market, following skirmishes between the population and the authorities.
These deaths have so far not been confirmed by the police, who announced at a press conference that at least ten people were injured and another 70 arrested during the protest marches against the results of the sixth local elections in various parts of the country.
The results presented by the National Electoral Commission (CNE) indicate a victory for Frelimo, the ruling party, in 64 of the country’s 65 municipalities, while MDM, the third largest party, won only in Beira.
