Mozambique: Government proposes another criminal investigation unit
Map: DW
The election campaign started Tuesday and soon after midnight parties were out putting up posters; two people were killed accidentally. Tuesday was a holiday, which meant many people were out on the streets to join the parades and party events. Although largely peaceful and lawful, there was some violence and intimidation, as well as improper use of state resources by Frelimo.
Putting up posters proved to be unusually dangerous. In Chimoio in the early hours of the morning a Frelimo team was putting posters along the main N6 national road when they were hit by a Toyota Vitz travelling at high speed. Eduardo Domingo, head of Agostinho Neto primary school, was killed, and others were seriously injured.
In Milange in 12 October neighbourhood, a person trying to put a Renamo poster on an electricity transformer post was electrocuted and died.
Confrontations and misuse of state resources
Our correspondents report a largely peaceful day, but with two incidents.
In Nhamayabue, Mutarara district, Tete, groups of supporters of Frelimo and Renamo going around the town met near 1st of May market at 2 am. Provocative words led to a punch up that involved sticks and stones. Six Frelimo supporters, including one woman, were seriously injured.
In Dondo, Sofala, in Bomba Nkomazi neighbourhood on the main EN6 road, a confrontation between Renamo and Frelimo ended without injuries.
In Quelimane, Frelimo used a health directorate bus to transport supporters to Chirangano, where it was holding its opening rally. Although illegal, the governing party often uses state vehicles in the campaign, and we are monitoring this.
Similarly, there should be no party posters in state buildings or state companies. But our correspondents report Frelimo posters in Macia in John Issa secondary school and the state telecommunications company, TDM. In Chimoio, health workers have put up Frelimo posters and a flag.
Vandalising opponents propaganda.
Parties try to take down opponents posters and campaign material, even though this is illegal. In Chibuto, Gaza, in Canhanda, Chimundo and Samora Machel neighbours, our correspondent saw young people from the Frelimo youth group OJM tearing down Renamo and MDM publicity. In Gondola, Manica, Renamo accused Frelimo of destroying its flag. And in Chimoio many Frelimo posters had been torn down.
ALSO READ: Mozambique elections: Teachers taught by Frelimo – Hanlon
Correspondents in Sussundenga threatened
Our correspondents in Sussundenga were threatened Monday night (24 September) by people linked to Frelimo. They told Treva Francisco Gravata, a long time corespondent, to “not publish information about any party except Frelimo.”
We have 150 journalists throughout the 53 municipalities reporting for us as well as their normal radio station or website. Our journalists are publicly know and have election press credentials. Normally they are able to work freely without threats or intimidations. This is the first incident this year.
By Joseph Hanlon
ALSO READ: Police trying to be neutral, so no candidate can blame them for loss – Hanlon
Early start to intense campaign, with some initial intimidation – By Joseph Hanlon
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