Mozambique gears up for general elections

JOHANNESBURG

Politicians in Mozambique concluded their final campaign rallies ahead of Tuesday’s general elections expected to be won by President Fillipe Nyusi, 60, of the ruling Frelimo Party.

The winner of Tuesday’s polls will be expected to develop the economy and consolidate peace in the Southern African nation which experienced years of insurgence from opposition rebels and militant attacks.

The leader of the main opposition party Renamo, Ossufo Momade, 58, pledged to change the lives of Mozambicans via job creation.

During one of his rallies, he accused the ruling Frelimo -- in office since 1975 -- for failing to deliver promises of jobs.

For his part, President Nyusi, who has ruled Mozambique for the past five years, asked voters to entrust him with their support during a rally in the capital Maputo saying his party was best-placed to govern Mozambique.

"Frelimo is prepared to continue building this nation with peace, security and political stability," he said at a rally streamed online amid cheers from his supporters.

The general election is expected to test the significance of the recently signed peace deal between the government of Mozambique and former rebel group Renamo, sealed last August and ending years of conflict in the southern African nation.

Several African leaders attended the signing of the document between President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Ossufo Momade in the country's capital, Maputo.

Renamo launched a civil war against the ruling Frelimo government in 1975 shortly after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal.

The on-and-off conflict lasted over 15 years, claiming around one million lives.

"I pray that our leaders respect the peace agreement and take our country forward," Mozambican national living in South Africa Armando Michel, told Anadolu Agency.

Another party contesting Tuesday’s election is the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) -- which split from Renamo and the Action Party of the United Movement for Integral Salvation (AMUSI).