Serious Concerns Over Electoral Consortium’s Credibility

The Electoral Consortium (EC), funded by the British government, Ireland, and the European Union, was established to enhance the credibility of Mozambique’s electoral process. However, recent revelations about its practices and statements raise serious concerns, underscoring the urgent need for an independent inquiry. Below are key arguments justifying such an investigation:

1. Possession of Falsified Results Sheets

The EC has admitted to being in possession of falsified results sheets, a revelation that gravely undermines its credibility as an election observer. This admission prompts critical questions:

• Where did these falsified results sheets come from?
• If the EC claims to have been represented at 2,000 polling stations in Nampula and Zambézia provinces, why didn’t they collect official copies of results directly from those polling stations?
• How many falsified results sheets do they hold, and how many authentic ones? From where, beyond Nampula and Zambézia, were these documents obtained?

These inconsistencies suggest either a failure to deploy observers at the claimed locations or reliance on secondary, unverified sources. Both scenarios cast doubt on the legitimacy of the EC’s findings.

2. Limited Coverage, Sweeping Conclusions

The EC had observers at only 2,000 of Mozambique’s 26,327 polling stations—a mere 7.6%. It is implausible to make definitive conclusions about nationwide electoral fraud based on such a limited sample.

• How can a comprehensive assessment of an electoral process be derived from such a narrow scope?
• This approach disregards Mozambique’s regional complexities and variations, undermining the credibility of any broad assertions of misconduct.

Such limited coverage reflects a superficial methodology, falling short of the rigorous standards expected from an organisation tasked with promoting democratic integrity.

3. Deviation from the Original Mandate

The EC was established to enhance electoral observation and support democratic processes. However:

• By relying on falsified results sheets, the EC has violated core principles of transparency and integrity.
• Allegations of fraud, based on incomplete or unreliable evidence, reflect irresponsible conduct.
• The lack of territorial coverage and premature conclusions indicate a failure to uphold the Consortium’s stated mission.

4. Fostering Conflict and Distrust

Instead of promoting a peaceful and credible electoral environment, the EC’s actions appear to have fuelled misinformation and post-election tensions:

• Its allegations of fraud, grounded in questionable evidence, risk exacerbating societal divisions.
• By amplifying unverified claims, the EC contributes to narratives that erode trust in Mozambique’s democratic institutions.

5. Accountability of Donors

The British government, Ireland, and the European Union, as funders of the EC, bear a responsibility to ensure that their support fosters transparency, democracy, and peace. A thorough inquiry is essential to:

• Determine how donor funds have been utilised.
• Assess whether the EC’s methodology aligns with its stated objectives.
• Prevent further misuse of resources that jeopardise international efforts to support democracy in Mozambique.

Conclusion

The Electoral Consortium has fallen short of its mandate to foster credibility and democracy in Mozambique’s electoral process. Its admission of holding falsified results sheets, coupled with its limited coverage and premature conclusions, raises serious questions about its integrity and effectiveness. An independent inquiry is crucial to restore confidence in electoral observation efforts and to ensure donor funds are used responsibly. Mozambique deserves transparent and fair elections, and it is incumbent upon the EC’s donors to demand accountability and immediate corrective action.