Chonguene, (Mozambique), 12 Sep (AIM) – Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo Party, has asked for 100 per cent of the votes cast in the southern province of Gaza, in the elections scheduled for 9 October.
Speaking on Wednesday in the Gaza district of Chonguene, Chapo promised that, in exchange for such a remarkable victory, a government he leads would rehabilitate the road from Chonguene to Manjacaze district, and build a new district hospital and secondary school.
“I know that here in Gaza there are 100 per cent of the votes. Gaza doesn’t play around”, he said. “On 9 October, we want 100 per cent victory for the Frelimo candidate and for the party”.
It is certainly true that Gaza is a Frelimo stronghold, but winning 100 per cent of the votes is impossible, except in the event of fraud. There may not be many opposition activists in Gaza – but there are enough to field opposition candidates for the parliamentary and provincial elections in all districts.
Furthermore, in any election, it is impossible for all registered voters to cast votes. This is because, in between the voter registration and the elections, some voters are bound to have died. Others will have changed their address, or may be too ill to vote.
But in previous elections there have been cases of polling stations (particularly in parts of Tete province) where 100 per cent, or even more than 100 per cent, of the electorate supposedly voted and they all voted for Frelimo. This fraud was sometimes so blatant that even the National Elections Commission (CNE) threw out some of these polling station results.
Chapo described Chonguene as “a land of opportunity”, and said investments made here could change the history of Gaza. As an example, he pointed to the airport built in Chonguene and baptized with the name of President Filipe Nyusi.
But this is an airport without regular flights, served only by Mozambique Airlines (LAM), and even the LAM flights are irregular. It was built with a Chinese grant, without which it would have been economically impossible.
Nonetheless, Chapo was upbeat, claiming that agriculture in Chonguene can be successful – provided it is mechanized. “With agricultural mechanization, the possibility is opened of farms arriving which will increase production and productivity, and that in turn will create jobs for young people”.
He spoke once again of his proposal to set up a development bank to open lines of financing for income generating initiatives of young entrepreneurs. So far Chapo has not said how he intends to finance a new bank.
(AIM)
Pf/ (438)
