– PODEMOS submits dialogue proposal to President Nyusi and the FRELIMO party
– Albino Forquilha backs “4×4” protests and threatens further demonstrations if the Constitutional Council validates the election results
By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – On Tuesday, PODEMOS submitted a new proposal for dialogue to the Office of the President and the headquarters of the FRELIMO party aiming to restore electoral integrity and resolve the post-election crisis that has persisted since late October.
The president of PODEMOS, Albino Forquilha, disclosed that the proposal includes conducting a forensic audit of the results of the 9 October elections.
“We believe a forensic audit is essential to hold those responsible for this problem accountable,” Forquilha stated during a press conference held on Tuesday in Maputo. “We will continue to push for evidence to bring the electoral truth to light,” he added.
Forquilha asserted that resolving the crisis depends on the government and the ruling FRELIMO party.
“We must recognise that two key and relevant actors are essential for solving this issue: the government and FRELIMO. They must be brought to the table, as it is their responsibility to address this matter first-hand,” he argued.
Given the absence of Venâncio Mondlane from Mozambique, Forquilha proposed the establishment of conditions for dialogue to take place via digital platforms, enabling Mondlane’s participation. The PODEMOS leader also emphasised the importance of including civil society in the dialogue process.
Protests Continue
While awaiting a response to the dialogue proposal, the pressure through public demonstrations, which began on 21 October, will continue, Forquilha confirmed.
“The protests are a form of demonstration, a means of applying pressure to ensure that electoral truth is brought to the fore,” Forquilha responded when asked about his alignment with Venâncio Mondlane regarding the 4×4 protest set to begin this Wednesday.
The PODEMOS leader guaranteed that protests would persist if the Constitutional Council validates and proclaims the election results in favour of FRELIMO and its presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo.
“We are in the streets because we are dissatisfied with the results. If we were satisfied, we would not be protesting, nor would people be dying for this cause,” he said.
Forquilha even stated that “Elvino Dias and Paulo Guambe were murdered to prevent the truth about the elections from being revealed, as they knew legal proceedings would be prepared against them.” (NM)
