At least 30 people have been arrested in connection with 44 electoral crimes recorded during the month-long campaign for Mozambique’s upcoming general elections in October, the commander-in-chief of the Mozambican police announced. He urged voters to remain calm and united on election day.
“In these 30 days, we have documented 44 electoral crimes in total, including three cases of serious bodily harm and nine of minor bodily harm,” stated Bernardino Rafael, commander-in-chief of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), on September 24.
Of the 44 incidents, 24 involved the destruction of political propaganda materials.
As the October 9 election day approaches, Rafael called for cohesion among voters, emphasizing the importance of remaining peaceful. “We are nearing the crucial moment, the vote on October 9. We urge all Mozambicans to stay calm and united. Don’t get upset over pamphlets or images—focus on the manifestos,” he said.
Mozambique will hold presidential, legislative, and provincial elections simultaneously on October 9. Over 17 million voters are registered, including 333,839 abroad.
The presidential candidates include Daniel Chapo from the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), Ossufo Momade from the largest opposition party, Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), Lutero Simango from the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), and Venâncio Mondlane from the Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos).