The Portuguese head of state announced this Wednesday that he had received a letter from the outgoing Mozambican President, Filipe Nyusi (in the photo with Marcelo) inviting him to the inauguration of his successor, and another from Venâncio Mondlane, informing him of his return to the country.
On Friday, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was asked by journalists whether he intended to attend Daniel Chapo’s inauguration as President of Mozambique, scheduled for January 15, and he did not answer that question at the time.
Asked whether he had already congratulated the proclaimed President-elect of Mozambique, the head of state highlighted the position he took in a statement on December 23: “I took due note of the results and encouraged dialogue“.
The date for the inauguration of the new President was set on January 2nd by the Constitutional Council of Mozambique, after having proclaimed Daniel Chapo as the winner of the contested October 9th elections on December 23rd.
According to the Constitutional Council, the candidate of the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) – party in power since the country’s independence – won the election for President of the Republic with 65.17% of the votes.
In view of these results, the Portuguese head of state, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, published a note that same day stating that he “took note of the candidates and political forces formally declared winners by that Council”, but in which he did not mention Daniel Chapo nor did he the usual greeting to the proclaimed President-elect.
On this note, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa “welcomes the already expressed intention of national understanding” and “underlines the importance of democratic dialogue between all political forceswhich must constitute the basis for resolving disputes, within the framework and in the recognition of new realities in Mozambican society and respect for the popular will”.
The Portuguese President also “reaffirms the fraternal friendship between the states and peoples of Portugal and Mozambique and the cooperation and partnership in all areas at the service of the two brotherly peoples, in the construction of peace, respect for human rights, democracy and of the rule of law, sustainable development and social justice”.
In turn, the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, wrote in the rede social X: “With the electoral process concluded by the Constitutional Council and Daniel Chapo designated as President-elect of Mozambique, we emphasize the purpose that the transition that is now beginning can occur in a peaceful and inclusive manner, in a spirit of democratic dialogue, capable of responding to social and economic challenges and politicians in the country“.
“The fraternal ties between Portugal and Mozambique remain a solid commitment for the future”, added Luís Montenegro.
In the general elections on October 9, Mozambicans voted for the Assembly of the Republic of Mozambique, elected the provincial assemblies and governors and the president of the Republic.
This electoral process was criticized by international observers, who pointed out several irregularities, and generated violence and protests in the streets..
The protests were incited by Venâncio Mondlane, candidate for President supported by the Podemos party, who claimed victory and who, according to the Constitutional Council, came in second place, with 24.19% of the votesahead of Ossufo Momade, from the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo), who had 6.62%.
Source: expresso.pt
