By Ebi Kesiena
As Mozambique approaches the final weeks of campaigning for next month’s general elections, civil society activists are sounding the alarm over the ruling Frelimo party’s alleged misuse of public resources for political purposes.
The civil society organization (CSO) coalition Mais Integridade (More Integrity) reported that 27 percent of the campaign activities they observed during the past week involved the improper use of state-owned vehicles and other public assets by Frelimo, marking a two-percent increase from the previous week.
According to the CSOs, Frelimo’s campaign tactics include the deployment of state resources such as teachers and vehicles from the education ministry, leading to disruptions in classroom activities across several districts.
This blatant disregard for election regulations, which explicitly prohibit the use of public assets in political campaigns, has raised significant concerns among civil society groups.
Meanwhile, in a stark contrast, the main opposition parties – Renamo and the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) were found to have used public assets in less than one percent of the observed activities, highlighting a troubling imbalance in campaign practices.
Despite the ongoing issues, “Mais Integridade” reported that the overall campaign atmosphere remained largely calm, with only a few isolated incidents of violence.
In Manica province’s Gondola district, Renamo supporters reportedly vandalised a Frelimo flag and disrupted planned campaign activities while Frelimo supporters blocked an MDM parade in Zambezia province, forcing a change of location for the rally.
Mozambicans are due to go to polls on October 9 to elect a new president and members of provincial assemblies.
According to Mozambique’s National Elections Commission, more than 5.3 million Mozambicans are registered to vote in presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections,
Four candidates are vying for the right to occupy Palácio da Ponta Vermelha, the official residence of the president in Maputo.
Incumbent President Filipe Nyusi of Frelimo is not contesting as he has served the maximum two five-year terms as stipulated in the country’s constitution, Heritage Times HT reports.
