The Democratic Alliance Coalition (CAD) announced a peaceful march for Saturday to protest a ruling that bars its parliamentary candidates from Mozambique’s October general elections. CAD, which backs Venâncio Mondlane for president, has appealed the decision to the Constitutional Council.
CAD president Manecas Daniel, speaking at a news conference in Maputo, warned that if the Constitutional Council upholds the National Electoral Commission’s (CNE) decision, it would demonstrate the country’s legal failures and mark Mozambique as a “failed state.” Daniel indicated that high tensions could lead to unrest if the ruling is not overturned.
The protest is scheduled for July 27 at 2 p.m., aimed at condemning the CNE’s alleged violation of Mozambicans’ electoral rights. The CNE excluded CAD from the elections on July 18, citing non-compliance with legal requirements for candidacy submissions. CAD refutes this, claiming they met all necessary conditions.
Daniel accused the CNE of trying to undermine threats to its interests and blamed it for ongoing conflicts in Mozambique. He stressed CAD’s consistent participation in elections since its 2018 inception.
The CNE insists its decision was technical, not political. Spokesperson Paulo Cuinica stated that CAD’s legal omissions were significant enough to warrant exclusion.
Despite the setback, Mondlane remains in the presidential race, though his parliamentary bid is blocked. Mozambique’s presidential, legislative, and provincial elections are set for October 9.
