EU hits “unlevel playing field” and “climate of fear” in harsh statement – Mozambique elections

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EU hits “unlevel playing field” and “climate of fear” in harsh statement – Mozambique elections

6:54 CAT | 17 Oct 2019

Photo: Sala da Paz

“An unlevel playing field was evident throughout the campaign,” said the European Union Observation Mission in an unusually harsh interim statement this afternoon. “The ruling party dominated the campaign in all provinces and benefited from the advantages of incumbency, including unjustified use of state resources, and more police escorts and media coverage than opponents.”

“Frelimo received the largest share of [public media] coverage, often in an uncritical tone,” the EU noted. “The President of the Republic was often shown or mentioned in his official capacity, promoting projects and giving speeches.”

“Limitations of freedom of assembly and movement of opposition parties were often reported.”

The EU mission also highlighted the general lack of trust. “A lack of public trust was observed in the impartiality of the national police forces, who were often perceived as more supportive of the ruling party and not managing properly the election related incidents and complaints. … The murder of a prominent national observer by members of the national police force had the effect of exacerbating an already existing climate of fear and self-censorship prevalent in Mozambican society.”

The CNE and STAE were a particular target of criticism, and the EU cited the “lack of confidence that the electoral administration (CNE and STAE) and the judiciary were independent and free from political influence. … The CNE missed important legal deadlines, including the late disbursement of public campaign financing to political parties. … There was also poor public communication by electoral authorities to keep all political parties and the public informed.”

The EU was also critical of some parts of the voting and counting process. The EU “observed four cases of ballot box stuffing in Sofala and Manica. The absence of national observers in almost half of polling stations did not contribute to the transparency of the process.” And results sheets (editais) were not posted at 14 observed polling stations, as required by law.

Mozambique elections: MOE UE Moçambique 2019 Preliminary Statement – Read the full text.https://t.co/HwTbhJU98U pic.twitter.com/aIQTvis8fu

— Club of Mozambique (@clubOmozambique) October 17, 2019