17 Apr 2018 | 07:18 AM UTC
Mozambique: General elections set for October 2019
Office of the president announces on April 11 that presidential, parliamentary, and provincial elections will be held on October 15, 2019
Event
President Filipe Nyusi has issued a statement on the presidency’s website announcing that presidential, parliamentary, and provincial elections will be held next year on October 15, 2019. Negotiations regarding constitutional reforms are ongoing between President Nyusi and Afonso Dhlakama, the leader of the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) opposition group. If the changes are accepted by the parliament and the two leaders, voters will also be allowed to directly elect provincial governors.
Context
RENAMO and the government agreed to an indefinite truce in May 2017 after a ceasefire was announced in December 2016. The ongoing truce is expected to eventually lead to a formal peace process to end the conflict between RENAMO and the government. Dhlakama previously refused to accept the results of the 2014 presidential elections, which resulted in the election of Nyusi, the Mozambique Liberation Movement (FRELIMO) candidate.
Advice
Individuals in Mozambique are advised to monitor the situation in the coming months.
