Por MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – Mozambique’s main commercial banks have announced that they are closing their branches this Monday, 23 December, as a preventive measure, in the face of rioting that may occur with the proclamation of the election results by the Constitutional Council (CC).
This decision, unusual in times of peace, reflects the environment of uncertainty caused by the post-election crisis in Mozambique.
In communications addressed to their clients, the banks recommended anticipating essential operations, such as withdrawals and transfers, and warned of possible breakdowns of digital banking platforms in the event that rioting does occur. The closure of bank branches occurs alongside similar measures considered by companies and organisations, who are seeking to protect their workers and property, given the possibility of instability.
Tension has been increasing with the approach of the proclamation by the CC. The date and time of the proclamation (15.00 on Monday) were announced late, in a statement released on Sunday afternoon. The chairperson of the CC, Lúcia Ribeiro, has guaranteed that her institution is committed to “the electoral truth”. However, the CC’s slowness and lack of transparency has sparked criticism.
Venâncio Mondlane, the opposition presidential candidate, who has led opposition to the preliminary election results announced by the National Elections Commission (CNE), blames the CC for any unrest that may occur. Although it is Mondlane himself who will issue the call for any further demonstrations or riots (which he calls “Turbo V8”), he is trying to shift responsibility to the CC, and to its chairperson in particular. “The fate of Mozambique, stability or violence, will drop from the mouth of Lúcia Ribeiro”, Mondlane declared recently.
On Saturday, Mondlane published a text he called his “testament”, in which he stated that he has lost everything, but he is continuing to fight against the powerful. “If I die, the people will know what to do”, he wrote, in a message which has intensified the climate of alarm.
Manuel de Araújo, the mayor of the municipality of Quelimane and a close ally of Mondlane, boosted this tone, claiming that “democracy cannot he held hostage to obscure interests”. He held the Constitutional Council directly responsible for the credibility of the elections.
The current context shows how fragile Mozambican institutions are at decisive moments. The closure of the banks, an extraordinary measure, is a direct reflection of the climate of uncertainty on the routine of citizens. Companies, NGOs and even public institutions are considering similar measures.
Political analysts warn that popular reaction will depend directly on how the results are received. On social media, appeals for calm co-exist alongside messages inciting mobilisation, feeding a volatile climate of expectations.
With the announcement of the results only a few hours away, Mozambique is waiting anxiously. This moment is not just an electoral decision: it is a test of the resilience of Mozambican institutions and of the trust of the people in the democratic system. The coming hours will be decisive, not only for the election results, but for the political and social future of the country. (MT)
