Mozambique presidential elections amid insurgency and hunger

The upcoming elections come at a time when Mozambique has been grappling with an Islamic State-affiliated insurgency that has plagued Cabo Delgado since 2017, resulting in significant displacement and destruction of communities. The outgoing president, Filipe Nyusi, is ineligible to run again after serving two terms, leading to a competitive race among candidates who promise to tackle the violence and restore peace. Candidates from the ruling party, Frelimo, and opposition parties are focusing their campaigns on the urgent need for development in the face of rising unemployment and hunger exacerbated by El Niño-related droughts. Corruption scandals, including the notorious “tuna bond” scandal, have also marred Frelimo’s reputation, leading to public discontent. As the elections approach, the Southern African Development Community has deployed election observers to ensure a fair process, following previous allegations of electoral fraud that have raised concerns about the integrity of Mozambique’s democratic institutions.

Key Issues in the Elections

• Insurgency in Cabo Delgado: The ongoing violence has led to the displacement of over 1.3 million people, creating urgent humanitarian needs.
• Drought and Hunger: Severe food shortages are affecting 1.3 million Mozambicans, highlighting the need for effective governance to address agricultural and economic issues.
• Corruption and Governance: The ruling Frelimo party faces scrutiny over past corruption scandals, which have fueled public skepticism and calls for change.
• Electoral Integrity: Following allegations of vote-rigging and intimidation in previous elections, there are heightened expectations for transparency and fairness in the upcoming polls.

Candidates are thus under pressure to offer credible solutions to these intertwined crises, as the electorate seeks a leader capable of steering the country towards stability and development.