Staff Reporter

Mozambique is gearing up for its presidential and legislative elections on October 9, with analysts predicting a victory for Frelimo’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo.

The election will see four candidates vying for the presidency to succeed current president Filipe Nyusi, including Chapo, Venancio Mondlane (an independent candidate), Ossufo Momade of Renamo, and Lutero Simango of the Mozambique Democratic Movement. Additionally, 250 parliamentary seats are up for grabs.

Political analysts Tinashe Chuma and Carter Chapwanya are forecasting a win for Chapo, largely due to Frelimo’s success in stabilizing insurgent activity in the north and its focus on development.

They also point to the disintegration of Renamo, the former rebel movement, as a key factor working in Frelimo’s favor.

“Daniel Chapo is likely to win, though there will be stiff competition from Venancio Mondlane, who has gained significant popularity among urban voters. Mondlane’s backing from the Democratic Alliance Movement also presents an interesting challenge. However, Chapo’s campaign promises, especially regarding infrastructure and road development, seem to resonate with a wide cross-section of voters, particularly in central and northern Mozambique,” Chuma explained.

Chapwanya added that while opposition parties have raised issues like corruption, unemployment, and uneven infrastructure development, these concerns haven’t been enough to sway the majority of voters away from Frelimo.

“This election appears to be a straightforward win for Frelimo and Daniel Chapo. Despite some challenges, the general sentiment among Mozambicans indicates that Frelimo’s achievements outweigh opposition criticisms, and Chapo is well-positioned to secure victory,” he said.

The parties have utilized the 45-day campaign period to canvas votes among the estimated 17 million registered voters, including those living in neighboring countries.

With Frelimo’s stronghold in the northern and central provinces, which are critical to securing the presidency, Chapo is expected to emerge as the front-runner in this highly anticipated election.