Mozambicans began voting on Wednesday in a tense general election likely to secure victory for the ruling party, Frelimo, which has governed since 1975.
The major concerns for Mozambique’s 35 million people include poverty and an Islamist insurgency in the north, which has displaced thousands and disrupted gas projects.
Among those voting was 22-year-old student Augusto Ndeve Pais, who expressed hope, “I feel hopeful … People my age are worried about the future of our country, so I think they will vote.”
Counting will commence after polls close at 6 p.m. (1600 GMT), with official results potentially taking up to two weeks.
Daniel Chapo, 47, is the frontrunner to replace President Filipe Nyusi, stepping down after two terms. He faces Venancio Mondlane, a charismatic independent candidate; Ossufo Momade, a former rebel commander; and Lutero Simango from a small opposition party. Chapo’s image adorned Maputo’s promenade, while no opposition posters were visible.
Frelimo has faced accusations of electoral rigging since allowing elections in 1994, which it denies.
Analyst Dercio Alfazema noted that “this election is different because we have new actors … (but) Frelimo has a big probability to win.” Chapo’s clean record contrasts with Frelimo’s corruption scandals.
A disputed outcome could provoke protests akin to those following last year’s municipal elections.
Keila Sitoe, 28, who voted with her sister, voiced skepticism, “We don’t feel the energy. We are young and things are difficult,” adding that “every time they say they will change.”