Maputo, 17 Sep (AIM) – The leader and presidential candidate of the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), Lutero Simango, has promised that, if he wins the election on 9 October, he will promote employment for young people because the country has resources that need to be exploited locally.
“In my government, we won’t allow our wood and other resources to be exported raw. Everything must be processed here. That’s why we’re going to create a timber industry. That way we’ll create more jobs for our youth”, he said.
Simango, who was speaking to potential voters in the districts of Malema and Ribaué, in the northern province of Nampula, also promised to put an end to Islamist terrorism in the neighbouring province of Cabo Delgado.
“The MDM will bring change”, he said. “We want to put an end to terrorism, corruption, poverty and suffering. Change means that the reds [the ruling Frelimo party] must leave power. Everyone must be treated the same, regardless of political party, color or place of birth”.
Simango warned voters not to be deceived by Frelimo, since it has nothing to give to the people. “Their current candidate (Daniel Chapo) is the same as Chissano, Guebuza and Nyusi. So he’s not going to do anything different.”
“If they (Frelimo) haven’t done anything in the past 49 years, they can’t promise anything now”, he declared. Of course, Chapo and Frelimo strongly deny that they have “done nothing”, since the country’s independence in 1975.
Chapo has repeatedly pointed to his experience as a district administrator (in Nacala-a-Velha and Palma) and as a provincial governor in Inhambane, while the other three presidential candidates have no record of governing anything.
“The MDM never stole money from the people”, declared Simango. “I have marched with you. It’s a demonstration that I’m with you and it will be like that in my government”.
The independent candidate, Venancio Mondlane, speaking on Monday, in Angonia district, in the central province of Tete, said he wants “to return Mozambique to the Mozambicans”.
“We have understood that our country is being sold bit by bit. I am here to tell those who want to sell the country that their attempts are over”, he stressed.
Mondlane stressed that Angonia is highly fertile, and this agricultural production should be enough for good hospitals and for good schools where the pupils do not sit on the floor. He promised that, if he is elected, he will set up an agricultural training institute in Angonia.
Mondlane has also received a warning from the Attorney-General’s Office (PGR) not to insult state bodies during his campaign. The PGR has summoned him to appear because of the supposedly offensive nature of the lyrics of one of his campaign songs. Mondlane allegedly “offended the dignity” of President Filipe Nyusi, and of the National Elections Commission (CNE).
(AIM)
Ad/pf (476)
