Commonwealth observers commend Mozambican elections, with caveats

Maputo, 12 Oct (AIM) – The Commonwealth Observer Group, which observed the Mozambican general elections held last Wednesday, commended the voters for the generally peaceful manner in which the elections were held, but noted reports of national observers being obstructed in Zambezia, Niassa and Sofala provinces.

The interim statement by the head of the observer group, Kenny Anthony, the Prime Minister of St. Lucia, said the election had taken place against the backdrop of some security challenges, especially in the northern province of Cabo Delgado (a reference to the violence of jihadist groups), and “the problematic municipal elections of 2023 which cast a shadow over these elections, impacting trust and confidence in the electoral process”.

Nonetheless, Anthony commended the National Elections Commission (CNE) “for their determination in undertaking preparations for these elections in the face of these, and other, challenges”.

He noted that the election laws had been amended a few weeks prior to the elections, “contrary to international good practice. The late enactment of electoral laws tends to arouse suspicion and leaves little time for voter education”.

Nonetheless, some of the amendments “strengthened and clarified crucial checks and balances, including allowing journalists and other stakeholders to observe all aspects of the process, including vote tabulation.

Anthony noted that the political composition of the CNE has been raised as a concern “by multiple stakeholders, with the body perceived to be political in its decision making”.

“This has resulted in a trust deficit with the CNE, he said. “We are concerned that this perceived lack of trust could result in a lack of faith in the credibility and integrity of the elections”.

One area of concern was the recruitment of teachers to campaign on behalf of the ruling Frelimo Party. “Given that these teachers are public servants, and were recruited as polling staff, this would represent a concerning conflict of interest”, said Anthony. He recommended that the recruitment of polling staff be undertaken exclusively by STAE in a transparent and open manner”.

The Commonwealth observers had received “a number of allegations of electoral malpractice”, including “incidents of ballot box stuffing, spoiling of ballots, citizens found with unmarked and pre-marked ballot papers, registered voters with their name already struck off the register, and unregistered voters attempting to vote”.

All of these matters, said Anthony, “should be brought to the attention of the appropriate institutions provided by law”.

The Commonwealth observers noted “with grave concern the premature unilateral declaration of results by one of the presidential candidates prior to completion of the results tabulation”.

Although he was not mentioned by name, this was a reference to the independent candidate, Venancio Mondlane, who claimed victory within hours of the close of polls.

“We would urge all parties to respect the process to avoid unnecessary confusion and agitation among the populace”, said Anthony.
(AIM)
Pf/ (465)