Mozambique’s Constitutional Council confirmed the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October election, despite opposition claims of fraud.
The court’s decision, which declared Daniel Chapo the president-elect, is likely to fuel further protests.
Opposition groups have long accused Frelimo of rigging elections. The court’s confirmation of Chapo’s 65% of the vote, lower than earlier figures, intensified tensions.
At least 130 people have died in post-election clashes, according to civil society groups.
In Maputo, streets were empty as police maintained a heavy presence around the court’s announcement, but protests quickly erupted in northern Mozambique and the capital.
Western observers have criticized the election as unfair.
Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane’s representative rejected the results, saying, “The will of the people was obliterated.”
Meanwhile, Chapo pledged to improve the lives of Mozambicans.
The unrest has disrupted foreign companies, including Australian firm South32, and affected the economy, with the IMF downgrading Mozambique’s 2024 growth forecast.