Mozambique Votes, Extensions and Delays
Due to material delays, some areas and overseas locations have had their voting periods extended to Saturday.
Mozambique’s electoral body announced that most of the country has completed voting and is now waiting for the results. However, some districts in Zambezia province and an overseas location in Germany faced hiccups in the voting process.
Voting Delays in Zambezia Province
National Electoral Commission spokesperson Paulo Cuinica reported that 23 polling stations did not open in Zambezia province, with 4 in Maganja da Costa and 19 in the district of Gilé. This was due to problems with receiving voting materials in time.
Voting Delays in Germany
Cuinica also mentioned that 670 Mozambicans living in Germany were unable to vote due to delayed arrival of voting materials. The materials arrived on Thursday, a day after the election, from Cologne to Berlin.
Election Monitors’ Assessments
Election monitors, including the European Union election mission and the International Republican Institute, have given preliminary assessments of the process. While they praised the peaceful campaign and orderly voting, they also noted some issues.
- The European Union’s chief observer, Laura Valerin, praised the peaceful campaign and orderly voting, but highlighted delays in the counting process and doubts about the process.
- Succès Masra, head of the International Republican Institute’s observer mission, praised the democratic spirit of Mozambicans, but expressed concerns about the electoral process, including delayed accreditation for observers and party agents, late changes to electoral laws, and misuse of state resources during the campaign.
Call to Action
Masra urged Mozambicans to address the issues and strengthen their democratic institutions.
Conclusion
Mozambique’s general elections have been marked by voting delays and technical issues, but the country’s democratic spirit remains strong. With the first official results expected as early as Saturday, Mozambicans await the outcome of this crucial election.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What were the reasons for the voting delays in Zambezia province and Germany?
A: The delays in Zambezia were due to problems receiving voting materials in time, while the delays in Germany were caused by the delayed arrival of voting materials from Cologne to Berlin.
Q: What were the priorities for the election monitors?
A: The election monitors prioritized ensuring a peaceful and orderly voting process, and addressing concerns about the independence of the electoral bodies and the integrity of the process.
Q: What is the expected timeline for the election results?
A: The first official results from the National Electoral Council are expected as early as Saturday.
