As Mozambique’s citizens headed to the polls for the highly anticipated general elections on 9 October 2024, the atmosphere was notably calm and composed, reflecting a period of intense preparation and commitment to ensuring a peaceful, credible electoral process. This calmness has characterized not only the voting day itself but also the entire electoral period, underscoring the country’s evolving democratic landscape. With a high level of international and national observation, including over 400 international observers and 7,000 domestic observers, the elections exemplify a robust commitment to transparency and integrity in a politically charged environment.
A record-breaking observation effort
Mozambique’s 2024 general elections stand out for the unprecedented level of observation. Organisations such as the European Union (EU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) were among the primary international observers. The EU alone deployed 162 observers, including specialists in long-term electoral analysis, providing Mozambique with a comprehensive, impartial examination of the election process from start to finish.
In addition, over 7,000 national observers from civil society organisations and community groups contributed to the vigilance surrounding the election. This vast contingent, present in all voting locations, reinforced the transparency and accountability mechanisms needed to ensure a fair process. Observers monitored everything from polling station setup and voter turnout to ballot security, aiming to confirm compliance with Mozambique’s electoral regulations and international standards.
The international observers’ consistent presence also serves as a deterrent against potential electoral misconduct, underscoring Mozambique’s dedication to upholding democratic standards. Reports indicate that representatives from SADC and other international organisations have commended Mozambique’s electoral authorities for their preparedness and professionalism.
A peaceful campaign season
One of the most striking features of the 2024 electoral season has been its peaceful nature, despite its length and political significance. For 45 days, candidates campaigned actively across the country, showcasing Mozambique’s maturing political climate. Incidents of unrest or hostility were minimal, with a few isolated confrontations and reports of posters being torn down in isolated incidents, which were quickly addressed by authorities.
For the ruling party, FRELIMO, Daniel Chapo embarked on an extensive national tour, covering the southern, central, and northern regions and prioritising in-person engagement with constituents across the country. Opposition parties, including RENAMO and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), largely focused on campaigning in the central and northern provinces, while relying heavily on social media to reach audiences in the south. This approach reflects a strategic shift in Mozambique’s electoral tactics, with candidates adapting their campaigns to regional dynamics.
The peaceful nature of the campaign period speaks to the strength of Mozambique’s regulatory frameworks and the citizens’ commitment to a democratic process. Compared with previous elections, which occasionally witnessed heightened tension, the 2024 campaign demonstrated a well-organized approach that facilitated open political expression without significant disruption.
Ensuring voter security and combating misinformation
In addition to the comprehensive observation efforts, Mozambique’s election authorities took proactive steps to ensure that the public received accurate information, countering the potential spread of misinformation. Although official online channels of Mozambique’s National Electoral Commission (CNE) and the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) experienced intermittent accessibility issues, authorities held frequent press conferences to keep the public informed.
Regular press briefings played a crucial role in curbing rumours and speculative information, providing citizens with timely updates on the election’s progression and addressing concerns as they arose. Mozambique’s public and independent media further supported this initiative, ensuring that fact-checked information reached a wide audience, fostering a well-informed electorate. Fake news, which had the potential to undermine confidence in the process, was actively debunked, demonstrating the commitment of Mozambican authorities to transparency.
The Role of peaceful civic engagement
On election day, voters queued patiently at polling stations across Mozambique, a visible testament to the country’s deepening democratic engagement. Polling stations were set up punctually, and election staff, under the watchful eyes of observers, facilitated a smooth voting process. This peaceful atmosphere underscored the impact of the previous weeks’ commitment to civic engagement, as citizens exercised their democratic rights with respect and calm.
The significance of this orderly voting process cannot be overstated. With over 7,000 national observers stationed throughout the country, any discrepancies or irregularities could be quickly reported and addressed. These observers, drawn from a broad spectrum of Mozambican society, highlighted the nation’s dedication to safeguarding its democracy through collective oversight.
A model for democratic progress
The 2024 general elections have been widely seen as a benchmark for democratic practices within Mozambique and a potential model for other countries in the region. The extensive presence of observers, coupled with a largely peaceful campaign period and a voter turnout marked by patience and order, underscores Mozambique’s dedication to a credible electoral process. The collaborative effort among electoral authorities, civil society, and the media demonstrates an integrated approach to combating misinformation and promoting transparency.
As observers prepare to compile their assessments and report on the electoral process in the coming days, the initial feedback points to a successful, well-managed election. Mozambique’s commitment to transparency, coupled with a strengthened infrastructure for monitoring and media communication, reflects a determination to build a resilient democracy. The calm and orderly nature of election day, along with the thorough monitoring mechanisms in place, indicate that Mozambique’s journey toward democratic maturity is firmly on course.
This year’s elections may indeed set a standard for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in the region, showcasing the positive impact of rigorous preparation, open political engagement, and vigilant observation on sustaining democracy.
Egidio Vaz | Comms Strategist 