Mozambique is set to hold general elections on October 9 to choose a new President, Parliament, and regional governments.
The ruling Liberation Front of Mozambique (Frelimo) is campaigning to maintain the presidency and its parliamentary majority under new leader Daniel Chapo. They face challenges from the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) led by Ossufo Momade, the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) headed by Lutero Simango, and independent candidate Venancio Mondlane. As the campaign wraps up on October 6, there have been no significant reports of partisan violence.
However, on September 28, the National Electoral Commission (CNE) disclosed it had experienced a cyber-attack, the repercussions of which are still unclear.
In anticipation of the elections, authorities are expected to heighten security across the nation, with potential measures including checkpoints, increased patrolling in urban areas, border restrictions, and curfews.
Protests and clashes between party supporters and security forces are anticipated, particularly in major urban centers, opposition strongholds, and northern provinces like Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, and Zambezia.
Significant disruptions to urban and intercity travel, business operations, and telecommunications may occur due to civil unrest or preemptive security measures.