Mozambique counts votes in its presidential election as opposition alleges fraud

Associated Press

MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Mozambique began counting votes in a presidential election that could extend the ruling party’s 49 years in power, though the opposition already was alleging fraud and manipulation. Daniel Chapo is the candidate for the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique party. Analysts say the strongest challenge to Frelimo’s dominance comes from 50-year-old independent candidate Venancio Mondlane. He and two other challengers raised concerns over the election’s fairness, including by saying that ballot boxes had been unsealed before voting ended. People also voted for the makeup of Parliament in a country of around 33 million people that faces a jihadi insurgency and climate challenges. Opposition candidates were already alleging fraud and manipulation of the election process.