Mozambique Elections: Mayor alerts the world to the electoral crisis in Mozambique

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Mozambique Elections: Mayor alerts the world to the electoral crisis in Mozambique

6:07 CAT | 23 Oct 2023

Image: DW

The mayor of Quelimane, Manuel de Araújo, is on a world tour to persuade the international community to take a stance on alleged irregularities in the October 11 local elections in Mozambique.

In an interview with DW Africa, the mayor of Quelimane criticises the electoral observation missions and reveals that appealed to President Filipe Nyusi to “consider some actions”, pledging he would complete all legal steps to contest the official intermediate results of the vote in October 11 in the municipality, which gives victory to Araújo’s rival party, the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo).

At the same time, Manuel de Araújo promises to maintain street action in protest against irregularities in the vote.

The head of the Renamo list for the city of Quelimane spoke to DW from the United States and said that he would also visit Europe and Latin America. He carries with him a clear message: “Mozambique is at sea. A crisis has arisen in the country and we need Mozambique’s friends to be alert.”

DW Africa: What do you want with this international tour at the moment?

Manuel de Araújo (MA): Our strategy is to draw attention, not just to the embassies, which are already informed. Some of them, such as Portugal and the United States, had observation missions. But, unfortunately, some of them spent very little time in the field. It’s a criticism I make. It doesn’t make sense that the missions came out [so quickly]. Some of them left on the day of the vote, others left the day after the vote.

They either do not know the Mozambican electoral process, or they were afraid and left the place. I think that, from the time the polls open until the results are announced is the minimum phase of any electoral observation.

This is a direct criticism I make of the diplomatic missions in Mozambique.

DW Africa: Which countries and organisations do you intend to contact on your tour around the world?

MA: In addition to the work we did in the diplomatic missions in Maputo, we are now launching the second phase of the diplomatic strategy, which is to visit some European and American capitals.

In Washington, I have meetings with various entities and people who are linked to Africa, human rights, democracy and international peace and security.

DW Africa: What is the message you take to the international community?

MA: The message is very clear, it is that Mozambique is at sea. A crisis has arisen in the country and we need our friends to be alert and look out for Mozambique.

Mozambique already has a very serious problem, which is the insurgency in Cabo Delgado. In Quelimane, I have received hundreds of young people saying: “Look, if there is any violent or armed action, count on me”. This makes me sad as a Mozambican and is very worrying.

I asked some people very close to the President [Filipe] Nyusi to send him a message that I sent myself, in which I directly urge our head of state to consider some actions, so that he does not allow himself to be led by people of bad character.

DW Africa: How do you react to the rejection of your appeal by the Zambézia Judicial Court? What will be the next step?

MA: Nothing surprises me. We knew they would make that decision. In fact, some people from the judiciary had already warned us. Now, let’s move on to the next step, which is the Constitutional Council. Therefore, we will follow [all the steps] and we will exhaust the legal side, while maintaining mass action and consolidating the diplomatic front.

Source: Deutsche Welle