By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane has begun the process of registering his new political party, the National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique (ANAMALALA), with a formal submission to the Ministry of Justice, Constitutional and Religious Affairs. The application was delivered by his political adviser, Dinis Tivane, in Maputo.
Asked about potential obstacles to the party’s legalisation, Tivane told journalists that the new political formation meets all legal requirements necessary for approval.
In the general elections of 9 October 2024, Mondlane ran independently for the presidency after his candidacy, submitted under the Democratic Alliance Coalition (CAD), was rejected by the Constitutional Council. He later received support from the Podemos party. However, disagreements with the party’s leader, Albino Forquilha, led to the collapse of the alliance.
The formation of a new party marks another chapter in Mondlane’s political journey, which has included several affiliations. He began his political career with Frelimo, through the Mozambican Youth Organisation (OJM), and later joined the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) and Renamo.
The name ANAMALALA – an acronym for National Alliance for a Free and Autonomous Mozambique – comes from the Macua language and means “it’s over”. It has become a defining slogan in Mondlane’s political discourse and among his supporters.
If the request is approved, the new political party will be eligible to contest future general elections. (NM)