Chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, called on political parties to respect the results of the October elections in Mozambique, according to African media.
SADC thus expects all parties to the electoral process, both individually and collectively, to abide by the decision of the Council which should provide a constitutional way forward for the country, and facilitate the way to greater peace, normalcy and stability in the interest of all Mozambicans.
The country’s Constitutional Council confirmed the results on Monday, 23 December. The Council announced that FRELIMO presidential candidate Daniel Chapo won about 65 per cent of the vote, down from the 70 per cent reported by the electoral commission in October.
The council also adjusted the number of parliamentary seats given to FRELIMO, without giving reasons for the change. Mnangagwa called for the election results to be accepted, arguing that it was a basic principle of the rule of law.
“SADC stands ready to assist the incoming Government, and People of Mozambique, in consolidating their electoral democracy on the basis of the aforesaid Court decision which should be held sacrosanct by all. Indeed, this is what the rule of law is all about.”
While South Africa called for dialogue and offered mediation, Mnangagwa said other countries should respect Mozambique’s sovereignty and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.
Our Region witnessed a record number of national elections in the last two years, itself a loud testimony that democracy continues to find deeper roots and to flourish in our SADC Region.
