Massive Protest in Lisbon Against Alleged Electoral Fraud in Mozambique

Protest in Lisbon

Approximately fifty individuals gathered this Saturday in Lisbon to advocate for the rights of the Mozambican people and to protest against alleged fraud in the October elections. The demonstrators declared that "the moment for Mozambique’s revolution has arrived."

Voices of Dissent

Chants filled the air as protesters adorned the Marquês de Pombal square with the colors of the Mozambican flag. The recent instability in Mozambique, exacerbated by the National Electoral Commission's (CNE) announcement of a Frelimo victory, spurred this new demonstration.

One of the organizers, Nelson Melo, expressed, "We are contesting the electoral fraud, which is unfortunately numerous." He shared that he has been following the situation in Mozambique mainly through social media due to media censorship. He voiced concern for his friends and family, stating, "People are in danger, but the country's future is at stake."

Personal Stories

Hércio Chiziane, a resident of Portugal for about ten years, joined the protest alongside family and friends. He noted that he doesn't receive news from Mozambique every day. "People are filled with fear, but that doesn’t stop them from taking to the streets. This is a fight for freedom, for the liberation of a people," he remarked.

Chiziane believes that Mozambique is experiencing a historic moment, having opened a "climate for revolution" after what he claims were decades of electoral fraud. "It is very clear that the moment for Mozambique’s revolution has come. There is no way this government can remain in power," he argued.

Election Results Controversy

According to the CNE, presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane placed second with 20.32% of the votes, yet he has stated he does not recognize these results, which still need validation from the Constitutional Council. Following protests that disrupted the country on October 21, 24, and 25, Mondlane called for a general strike beginning October 31, culminating in a major demonstration in Maputo on November 7, which led to chaos in the capital.

Jorema Fernando, another protester, stated, "The 20% have stopped the country, they are making noise across borders. The world has paused to listen to the 20%." She lamented the situation in Mozambique, describing it as devastating, but noted a newfound unity among her compatriots in the quest for electoral justice.

Before marching towards the Community of Portuguese Language Countries headquarters, the protesters observed a minute of silence in honor of the victims of recent demonstrations. Chiziane concluded, "There will be a time for us to mourn our dead, but now we will not be silent and we will not stop."