EU lawmaker calls electoral reform in Mozambique 'crucial': Video
Chief Observer for the European Union's Election Observation Mission (EOM) in Mozambique, Laura Ballarin Cereza has said electoral reform is essential for restoring public trust in the country.
Her remarks come following a contested presidential and parliamentary election marred by allegations of irregularities and post-election violence.
“This mission is not validating or invalidating the results,” Ballarin clarified. “We are focusing solely on the electoral process with a defined methodology.”
The EU’s final report indicated that the October 2024 election was fraught with several issues in the electoral process. Ballarin stressed the mission’s desire for the report to serve as a tool to support reforms and foster accountability.
“We agree that the Council of State and all political powers, including the President of the Republic, have already recognised the crucial importance of a new electoral reform," she noted. "This will hopefully help Mozambicans regain their confidence in public institutions."
Ballarin also addressed concerns about the influence of social media, including TikTok, on the election, stating that the mission found no evidence of favoritism toward any candidates on the platform.
The elections, held in October, led to weeks of unrest that claimed over 300 lives as security forces cracked down on demonstrations called by the opposition. The protests were fueled by allegations of vote-rigging by opposition leader Renamo.
Despite these controversies, President Daniel Chapo of the long-ruling Frelimo party assumed office in mid-January after being declared the winner with 65 percent of the vote.
