Mozambique early vote counting underway after general elections

MAPUTO — Mozambique began counting votes on Wednesday evening at the close of tense presidential and parliamentary elections.

Vote tallying started shortly after polling stations closed at 6 pm, with initial results expected in about two weeks.

About 17 million people were registered to vote, including 333,839 voters registered in the diaspora participating from seven African and two European countries as part of Mozambique's global electoral process.

This year's general elections mark the seventh presidential election, with the ruling party Frelimo's candidate Daniel Chapo, 47, aiming to succeed incumbent President Filipe Nyusi, who is completing his maximum of two terms.

Chapo faces competition from three other candidates: Lutero Simango of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique, Ossufo Momade of the main opposition party Renamo, and independent candidate Venancio Mondlane backed by Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique.

In addition to the presidential race, voters would elect 250 members of parliament and 794 members for provincial assemblies, with 35 political parties competing for national parliamentary seats and 14 parties and civic groups vying for provincial positions.

According to observers from national and international organizations, the one-day electoral process is proceeding smoothly. Reports indicate that 92.8 percent of the 3,297 voting stations visited by 800 electoral observers had the presence of party delegates.

Calm and patience

After casting his vote at the Josina Machel Secondary School in the capital Maputo, outgoing President Nyusi, 65, urged for calm and patience throughout the voting process.

"I would also ask that no group of citizens agitate or threaten others, that everything happens in peace and tranquility, and that we avoid announcing the results ahead of time," Nyusi said.

He also underscored the necessity of maintaining peace and transparency during the election, saying, "Let's ensure our democracy strengthens the development of our country."

Chapo, if elected, would become the first leader born after Mozambique's independence.

After casting his vote in Inhambane Province in southern Mozambique, Chapo called for a peaceful continuation of the electoral process, urging the celebratory spirit of the campaign to carry through to the voting and counting phases.

According to the National Election Commission, the electoral process is being monitored by 11,516 national observers and 412 international observers, including delegations from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, the European Union and the Southern African Development Community.

Xinhua - Agencies