By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who returned to the country’s capital, Maputo, from exile last week, has called for three days of protests this week over the disputed October elections.
In a Facebook post late Saturday, Mondlane urged a “national strike” as the new parliament prepares for inauguration on Monday, with the winner of the election, Daniel Chapo of the governing Frelimo party, expected to be sworn in as President on Wednesday.
“These three days are important to decide what future the people want,” Mondlane said in his post.
“We must declare a national strike… paralyse activities during these three days,” he added.
Mondlane, whose return sparked confrontations between supporters and police in Maputo, has repeatedly claimed that he was robbed of victory in the election, in which the Frelimo party secured victory to extend its half a century of rule.
Chapo, a 48-year-old former governor, will succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi.
Mondlane urged supporters to “demonstrate our refusal” of the official election result, calling for a “peaceful mobilisation,” adding that “if the Assembly takes the oath, it is a betrayal of the will of the people.”
Shortly before Christmas, the country’s highest court confirmed the parliamentary seat allocation based on their performances during the elections.
The governing Frelimo party secured 171 seats, while Podemos, a small party that has become the main opposition, won 43.
“Let us demonstrate against the inauguration of those who betrayed the will of the people on Monday and against those who stole the will of the people on Wednesday,” Mondlane said.
Earlier, he had vowed to inaugurate himself as the President on January 15, the same day Chapo will be taking the oath of office.
The constitutional court has affirmed Chapo’s victory over Mondlane, but the opposition leader maintains he was robbed.
Since October, when the protests started, dozens of persons have been killed in confrontations between Mondlane’s supporters and security forces, with policemen losing their lives.
Mondlane has also indicated readiness for negotiations with the governing Frelimo.
