Voter registration problems may lead to a conflict, Mozambican analysts say

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Voter registration problems may lead to a conflict, Mozambican analysts say

2:55 CAT | 16 May 2019

2014 Elections. File photo: Voa

Some analysts warn of the possibility of post-election conflict in Mozambique if the voter registration issues for the October 15 elections reported by the Southern African Electoral Institute (EISA) are not resolved.

On Monday, EISA accused Mozambique’s electoral bodies of trying to reduce the number of voters in opposition-dominated areas, saying the disposition of voter registration teams was biased in favour of Frelimo and sought to reduce the number of voters in opposition-friendly regions, mainly in the centre and north of the country.

Fernando Mbanze says he is aware of the situation reported by the EISA, and that he has no doubt that this is aimed at preventing opposition voters elect provincial governors.

Mbanze also said that the situation is different in Gaza, which is a traditional Frelimo stronghold.

The leader of the Independent Party of Mozambique (PIMO), Yaqub Sibindy, says reducing the number of voters in opposition areas favours Frelimo, but the opposition itself is also responsible, “because it is unable to unite to oversee processes, including voter registration”.

Raúl Domingos meanwhile says that there is a theory in political science that explains how a political party can create advantageous conditions by manipulating voter registration.

“I think that’s what’s happening here, and that’s why opposition political parties are demanding the resignation of the director-general of the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration-STAE and more transparent voter registration. All this voter registration will do is favour the ruling party, creating discontent that will result in post-electoral conflict,” Domingos says.

Frelimo spokesman Caifadine Manasse said his party entered all electoral processes with the aiming of winning, and that Frelimo is a nationally-based party embracing all Mozambicans and did not confine its strategy to this or that constituency.

Renamo spokesman José Manteigas says EISA’s findings are clear and credible, adding that his party had already publicised these situations.

By Ramos Miguel

Source: Voa Portugues