The Presidential Candidate, Daniel Chapo, supported by Frelimo, assures that, if victorious in the October 9 elections, he will work to end terrorism affecting some districts of Cabo Delgado.
Daniel Chapo made this promise on Saturday in Beira city, during the launch of his electoral campaign, where he also pledged to improve the quality of education in the country.
Meanwhile, RENAMO launched its campaign in Quelimane, Zambezia province, where the party’s Secretary-General, Clementina Bomba, promised to improve access to health and education.
On his part, the Presidential Candidate supported by the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), Lutero Simango, also in Beira, promised to improve the National Health System and increase public employees’ salaries.
In a separate event, candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who opened his campaign in Matola, Maputo province, said that, if elected on October 9, he would introduce fiscal decentralization to better control revenues, while prioritizing youth access to employment.
Constitutional Council approves four Presidential Candidates
Mozambique’s Constitutional Council (CC) announced on Monday, the 24th, the final list of presidential candidates for the October 9 elections.
Contrary to expectations, no female candidates were approved, despite the application submitted by Dorinda Catarina Eduardo from the National Movement for the Recovery of Mozambican Unity.
The four approved candidates are Daniel Francisco Chapo from Frelimo, Lutero Chimbirombiro Simango from MDM, Ossufo Momade from Renamo, and Venâncio António Bila Mondlane from the Democratic Alliance Coalition.
These four emerged from an initial list of 11 candidates, seven of whom were disqualified. The disqualified candidates include Dorinda Catarina Eduardo, Manuel Carlos Dias dos Santos Pinto Júnior, Mário Albino, Miguel Rafael Simbine Mabote, Domingos Jossias Zucula, Feliciano Maguiuanhane Machava, and Rafael Fernando Bata.
According to the validation ruling issued this afternoon, the CC justified the disqualifications due to irregularities in the application forms. The reported irregularities include forged signatures and forms lacking signatures, with some allegedly signed by the same individual.
Analysis of the candidates’ profiles
The profiles of the presidential candidates reveal a multi-faceted competition among traditional political forces and new approaches from candidates proposing innovative solutions to national issues. Critical topics like terrorism, education, health, fiscal decentralization, and youth employment stand out.
- Daniel Francisco Chapo – FRELIMO
As FRELIMO’s candidate, Daniel Chapo inherits a long-standing governing tradition. His primary focus is combating terrorism in Cabo Delgado, an urgent issue that dominates both national and international attention concerning Mozambique. Chapo’s promise to end terrorism seeks to reinforce the public’s trust in the government’s ability to restore security and peace in the region. Additionally, he has pledged to improve the country’s education system, addressing a long-standing issue of educational deficits and aiming to provide better opportunities for youth.
- Lutero Chimbirombiro Simango – Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM)
Lutero Simango, representing MDM, focuses on two critical pillars of citizens’ well-being: health and salaries. His promise to improve the National Health System addresses widespread criticism regarding the inefficiency of public healthcare, which lacks sufficient resources and adequate access. His pledge to raise public employees’ wages appeals directly to a key demographic, aiming to ease labor tensions and improve workers’ quality of life. Simango positions MDM as a solid alternative, focusing on social issues and efficient resource management.
- Ossufo Momade – RENAMO
Ossufo Momade from RENAMO proposes to improve access to healthcare and education, vital sectors for the country’s social development. Traditionally viewed as the main opposition party, RENAMO, under Momade’s leadership, maintains a focus on essential reforms to increase citizens’ access to basic services. His campaign seeks to emphasize practical solutions to everyday problems, distancing itself from the party’s more militaristic past.
- Venâncio António Bila Mondlane – Democratic Alliance Coalition
Venâncio Mondlane of the Democratic Alliance Coalition adopts a distinct approach, promising fiscal decentralization. This innovative proposal aims to redistribute control over government revenues from the central to local levels, potentially leading to more autonomous and efficient resource management. Mondlane also seeks to attract young voters by promising to facilitate access to employment, a crucial issue given Mozambique’s high youth unemployment rate. His platform aims to mobilize the younger electorate, eager for change and economic opportunities.
Challenges and Implications
The 2024 elections take place in a context where Mozambique faces significant challenges, including the insurgency in Cabo Delgado, economic development issues, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. Only four candidates were approved, with seven candidacies excluded due to irregularities, raising concerns about the transparency and organizational capacity of the electoral process.
The absence of female candidates, despite the attempt by Dorinda Catarina Eduardo, also highlights a lack of gender diversity in the country’s political leadership, which could be viewed negatively both domestically and internationally.
The 2024 presidential race in Mozambique will not only be decided by candidates’ promises but also by their ability to address immediate issues, such as terrorism and access to basic services. Daniel Chapo, Lutero Simango, Ossufo Momade, and Venâncio Mondlane offer distinct visions for the country’s future, each focused on solving urgent challenges. However, the execution of their promises will depend on their ability to mobilize resources and gain popular support. The elections promise to be a pivotal moment for Mozambique’s future, with the country divided between continuity, moderate reforms, and innovative proposals for a more decentralized future.
