MAPUTO, Mozambique — Early indications from the presidential election in Mozambique show that the ruling party’s candidate has taken a substantial lead, whereas his primary opponent has expressed intentions to contest the results, claiming they are fraudulent.

Daniel Chapo, representing the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), appears poised to secure victory based on preliminary provincial outcomes. He is set to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has reached the limit of two terms in office. Frelimo has maintained its grip on power in Mozambique since the nation gained independence from Portuguese colonial rule in 1975.

The opposition’s representative, Venancio Mondlane, running as an independent candidate, stands in second place in the unofficial tallies. However, he has reiterated his allegations that the recent election was tainted by deceit and manipulation from the Frelimo party. Mondlane has urged the people of Mozambique to participate in a national strike on Monday, protesting against what he describes as the “deceit of an incredibly shameful regime.”

Frelimo has frequently faced accusations of electoral fraud, although the party consistently denies such claims. Prior to this election, many analysts cautioned about potential irregularities, noting that Frelimo manipulates voter registries and often assigns loyal officials to oversee polling stations.

On Wednesday, Mondlane and his followers organized a demonstration in the northern city of Nampula. However, the event was interrupted by law enforcement, which claimed that the march did not adhere to the agreed-upon route and accused Mondlane of inciting his supporters to clash with police. Authorities reported that four individuals were taken into custody.

Since Mozambique’s first national election in 1994, Frelimo has been the victor in all such electoral events. The party emerged in power after independence but previously engaged in a brutal 15-year civil conflict against the opposition group Renamo. Renamo has evolved into the primary opposition party, also participating in this recent election.

Interestingly, Mondlane was affiliated with Renamo until he separated from the party shortly before the election, choosing instead to run independently.