News & Events

Despite recent opposition protests in Mozambique, the ruling party will likely maintain its dominance in the 2024 general elections and beyond, bolstered by a huge influx of revenue from an eventual restart of construction on a major liquified natural gas project.

Mozambique will hold general elections to elect its new President, Parliament, and regional governments on Oct. 9. The ruling Liberation Front of Mozambique (Frelimo), who has won every election since the end of the civil war, is campaigning to retain the presidency and its parliamentary majority behind its new leader, Daniel Chapo. They are being challenged by the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) of Ossufo Momade, the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) of Lutero Simango, and the independent candidate Venancio Mondlane. Authorities have called for a peaceful campaign..

Context, Considerations, & Challenges

• This year’s elections in Mozambique are receiving insufficient attention due to competing priorities (19 elections this year in Africa alone). Though democracy is about more than elections, they still provide a visible stress test for the democratic health of a society. Most of the challenges facing Mozambique today – insurgency, corruption, repression, and democratic reversal – stem from governance challenges, including how leaders are selected or elected.
• Political violence in the country is worsening. 2023 saw the highest number of reported incidents of election violence since Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) data collection began while the beginning of 2024 has witnessed insurgency-related violence surge.
• The insurgency in Cabo Delgado will likely impact, and be impacted by, the elections. Insurgents are likely to discourage residents from voting – such as through intimidation – as part of a broader effort to undermine state presence and governance in the province. Residents of Cabo Delgado will likely display an element of neutrality toward the insurgency and the government.

Political Context

The Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) and the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) are Mozambique's main political parties, with the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) trailing. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975 and adopting multiparty democracy in 1992, Frelimo has maintained control..

Challenges

• Development Challenges
• Challenges related to civic voice remain
• Economic Outlook
• Government Bodies
• Expanding Coverage of Primary Healthcare
• Accelerating access to electricity