MAPUTO, Mozambique — In a recent announcement by Mozambique’s national election commission, ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo has been proclaimed the victor in the presidential election held earlier this month. The election results have ignited controversy, with opposition groups claiming extensive electoral fraud.

Chapo garnered approximately 70.67% of the total votes cast, while independent candidate Venancio Mondlane received 20.32%. Ossufo Momade, representing the opposition party Renamo, secured a distant third with only 5.81% of the votes.

The outcome of this election, conducted on October 9, signifies a continuation of the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party’s nearly five-decade dominance in the nation since it achieved independence from Portugal in 1975. Frelimo has faced persistent allegations of electoral misconduct, claims which the party has categorically denied. Current President Filipe Nyusi, adhering to term limits, is stepping down after completing his second term in office.

Observers from the European Union pointed out this week that some of their team faced obstacles when trying to oversee the counting process in certain locations. They noted instances of “unjustified alteration” of results at various polling places during their observations. This has fueled the accusations of electoral impropriety from opposition factions, who have been vocal about suspicions of fraud since election day.

Tension has escalated in Mozambique, a nation with approximately 33 million inhabitants, especially following the assassination of two prominent opposition figures last week. One of the victims was a lawyer linked to a potential legal challenge against the election’s results, who was ambushed by gunmen.

In addition to these incidents, police have taken swift action against protesting opposition supporters this week, using tear gas to disperse gatherings and maintain order, underscoring the increasingly volatile political climate in the nation.