Mozambique early vote counting under way after peaceful election

10/10/2024 17:00

        Vote counting was under way in Mozambique on Thursday after a peaceful national election that is widely expected to see the ruling Frelimo party extend its 49 years in power.
        
        Votes are counted first at each polling station and district results expected by Saturday could give an early indication of who is leading. Official results normally take around two weeks to be announced by the electoral commission.
        
        The winner will inherit an Islamist insurgency in the north that has halted multi-billion dollar gas projects and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. Other challenges include high debt levels and the economic impact of worsening cyclones.
        
        Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo, 47, is likely to win. His party has been accused by opponents and election observers of rigging past elections, which it denies.