Venâncio Mondlane, a Mozambican presidential candidate backed by the Podemos party, has reaffirmed his commitment to challenging the results of the October 9 legislative elections.
Speaking in a live broadcast on Facebook on Tuesday, Mondlane declared his intent to assume office as the “elected president” of Mozambique by January 15, 2025, though he provided no clear roadmap for achieving this goal.
“I will take office as the elected president of Mozambique,” Mondlane stated, emphasizing that ongoing protests across the country would continue.
Mondlane outlined several measures he plans to enforce ahead of his claimed inauguration, including the suspension of toll payments and tax collections.
“On Wednesday, we will conclude the fourth phase of our protests, but we will not stop,” he announced.
“We will pause briefly and then launch the ‘turbo V8’ phase, which will be revealed on Monday, December 16.”
The protests, demanding what Mondlane calls the “restoration of electoral truth,” have significantly disrupted daily life in Mozambique.
Demonstrators have erected roadblocks in major cities, including Maputo, and on key interprovincial routes, causing widespread delays for commuters.
Mondlane warned that the protests could escalate further if the government upholds the current election results.
“If the regime insists on imposing fraudulent results, we will have no choice but to move to new phases of protest,” he said.
In recent demonstrations, protesters have clashed with police, using stones, burning tires, and tree trunks to obstruct main roads leading to the capital.
According to the non-governmental organization Plataforma Eleitoral Decide, the post-election protests have resulted in at least 110 fatalities since October 21.
Despite the unrest and mounting casualties, Mondlane’s stance remains firm.
His campaign continues to rally supporters, calling for justice and transparency in the electoral process.
