Politics

Mozambique is a multi-party democracy with one dominant party and growing authoritarianism. The Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), in power since independence (1975), dominates national politics. The Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO), which fought a brutal civil war against the FRELIMO government (1977-1992), became a political party and has participated in all national elections (parliamentary and presidential) since 1994, always winning seats in parliament as the second-largest party. The political system is presidential, with the head of state being the head of government (executive) and ultimately having great authority over the parliament and judiciary. After the introduction of multi-party liberal democracy in 1990, Mozambique created relatively strong democratic institutions (parliament, courts, civil society organisations, media), but over time there has been a democratic backsliding and a shrinking of civic space. Since 2018, Mozambique has been classified as an authoritarian regime in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU) Democracy Index. MOZ TIMES rigorously covers Mozambican political affairs, bringing to the public the most important decisions of the Council of Ministers (Cabinet), Parliament, the courts and local governments (provincial and municipal) with national and international implications. Exclusive analysis and expert commentary place the reported facts in a local and global context.