Mozambique’s Election Turmoil: EU Observers Report Irregularities in Vote Counting

The recent elections in Mozambique have drawn significant attention, particularly from the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), which began its activities on September 1, 2024. With a deployment of 179 observers, the mission aimed to ensure a transparent electoral process.

On October 11, the EU EOM released a preliminary statement, highlighting various irregularities during the vote counting process. Although EU observers faced challenges, including being barred from tabulation activities in specific districts, their overall presence has been pivotal in monitoring the elections.

The mission reported concerning instances of unjustified alterations in election results at polling stations and district levels. Such modifications raise alarms about the integrity of the electoral process. To enhance the trustworthiness of the elections, the EU EOM has urged the electoral authorities to conduct the tabulation process transparently.

Chief Observer Laura Ballarín stressed the importance of publishing disaggregated results by polling station. She emphasized that such practices are critical safeguards for electoral integrity. Without proper traceability, public confidence in the results could diminish significantly.

In light of the social tensions and violence surrounding the elections, the EU EOM condemned the tragic killings of political figures Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe. The mission called for restraint and respect for fundamental freedoms, highlighting the gravity of the current political climate.

As the election process unfolds, the responsibility falls on Mozambique’s electoral administration to address the noted irregularities. Furthermore, the Constitutional Council is expected to clarify these issues during the validation of results.

The EU EOM plans to remain in Mozambique to oversee the subsequent phases of the electoral process. A final report will be released, offering assessments and recommendations aimed at improving the country’s electoral framework.

The recent elections have laid bare the challenges faced by Mozambique in ensuring a fair democratic process. With international scrutiny increasing, the nation stands at a critical juncture. The forthcoming actions of its electoral bodies and government will be crucial in determining the future of democracy in Mozambique.