Voting begins in Mozambique election likely to see ruling party win

9/10/2024 17:06

        Mozambicans started voting on Wednesday in a tense general election highly likely to deliver victory for the ruling party, Frelimo, which has governed the southern African nation since 1975.
        
        Poverty is the major concern of Mozambique's 35 million people, half of whom are registered to vote, along with an Islamist insurgency in the north that has forced thousands to flee their homes and halted multi-billion-dollar gas projects.
        
        The favourite among four candidates vying to replace President Filipe Nyusi, as he steps down after serving two terms, is Daniel Chapo, 47, a lawyer viewed as a safe choice for business and a fresh face for the long-ruling party.
        
        He faces off against Venancio Mondlane, a charismatic independent candidate who draws huge crowds, former rebel commander Ossufo Momade, and a small opposition party leader, Lutero Simango.