Nampula (Mozambique), 21 Jul (AIM) – Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi, in his capacity as President of the ruling Frelimo Party, on Thursday called on all Frelimo members to show a spirit of cohesion and unity, as a fundamental condition for victory in the municipal elections scheduled for 11 October.
Speaking in the northern city of Nampula, at a ceremony where Frelimo’s mayoral candidates for the 65 municipalities were publicly displayed, Nyusi declared “in the coming three months, let us work together for victory”.
He told the candidates they had the duty to do better than their predecessors. “I shall resort to the principle which guides Mozambican families – which is to fight so that the sons are better than the parents, and the grandsons better than the sons”, Nyusi said.
He noted that the candidates find themselves in an environment of stability and economic growth, which should favour good performance in the elections.
Municipal citizens, he stressed, “have great expectations for better provision of public services”. Many of the mayoral candidates are young “and represent a new generation”. Should they be elected, Nyusi expected from them “more open, modern and transparent municipal management, which meets the dynamics of the evolution of society”.
He warned the candidates that they are not standing as individuals, but as candidates of Frelimo. “Let it be clear that Frelimo is running you as candidates so that you can serve the Mozambican people through the manifestos and perspectives of Frelimo. Nobody on their own can replace Frelimo. And nobody will be an independent mayor, whenhe stood for Frelimo and won at the cost of Frelimo”.
According to Nyusi, Frelimo’s victory is already being built, through the unity and cohesion generated within the harmonious and democratic environment in which the inner-party elections took place.
“Once again, we are showing that we are a mature political force, better prepared and organized to lead the destinies of the nation at all levels”, he declared.
He urged the candidates, if elected, to defend the national interest, and act in an inclusive manner. They should not discriminate against anyone, he insisted.
They should have “a strategic vision”, he added, and be capable of anticipating future changes, and establishing realistic targets for local progress. They should inspire and mobilise citizens, motivate their working teams, and always keep in communication with local partners.
“Remember that today you are still Frelimo candidates, you are not yet mayors”, concluded Nyusi. “To become a mayor, you need to work”.
(AIM)
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