By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES)- The leader and presidential candidate of the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM), Lutero Simango, told reporters in Maputo on Friday morning that he will not be available for a dialogue between the presidential candidates, if the agenda is not serious.
President Filipe Nyusi issued on Thursday an invitation to all four presidential candidates to take part in a dialogue to discuss the problems the country has been going through since the general elections held on 9 October.
Simango reiterated that he will not take part in a dialogue that results from an agenda that is not “clear and objective”.
The candidate supported by the PODEMOS party, Venâncio Mondlane, had already confirmed on Thursday that he will take part in the dialogue – but on condition that it is broadcast live to the Mozambican public. The candidate and President of Renamo, Ossufo Momade, has not yet commented publicly on Nyusi’s proposal.
Simango recognised that dialogue is a national requirement to bring to an end the post-election crisis sparked off by the frauds, ballot box stuffing and general lack of transparency observed during the October elections. But Simango insisted he will not participate “only to discuss consequences”.
In order for the dialogue to occur, “the objective conditions must be created”, he said. He would never be available for a “pretend dialogue”.
Trust was not enough, Simango added. “We must all have open minds and hearts. We must have the honesty to discuss”, he said.
He suggested “an inclusive dialogue”, in which technologies could be used to allow virtual participation and discussion.
“Inclusive dialogue for this situation can only happen in the presence of the four candidates, and we should use the new technologies because they give possibilities to all of us”, Simango said. “If any of us thinks he should discuss virtually, that’s his choice and it should be respected”.
A virtual, rather than face-to-face meeting, might be the only way to allow Venancio Mondlane to participate, since there are warrants out for his arrest, and he might be detained if he shows up in person.
The meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday, 26 November, at 16.00, in President Nyusi’s office. (NM)
