A “national strike” is being threatened as Mozambique’s president-elect is sworn in on Wednesday, more than three months after disputed elections.
Daniel Chapo, who is 48, took 65% of votes in a poll that opposition leaders and electoral observers said was doctored.
The outcome sparked a wave of demonstrations some peaceful but others violent leading to chaos, including killings and vandalism.
Chapo’s biggest rival is Venâncio Mondlane. Last week, he returned from self-imposed exile and spent time in South Africa where he says he survived an assassination attempt.
He is now calling on Mozambicans to take to the streets, once more, on inauguration day “against the thieves of the people”.
Both of Mozambique’s leading opposition parties Renamo and MDM say they are boycotting Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony because they too do not recognise Chapo as the rightful winner.
Even those in Mozambique who do wish the president-elect well openly question his legitimacy.
“Chapo is someone I admire greatly civil.
I worked with him for four years. I am familiar with his willingness to act, his openness to dialogue, and his readiness to follow recommendations from civil society on the ground”.
“However, he is assuming an illegitimate power. This stems from a fraudulent electoral process… He is taking power in a context where the people do not accept him” civil society activist Mira Chitsungo told the BBC.
