Mozambicans vote in key election for a new presidentMore than 16 million people are registered to vote - with change promised by all candidatesHis rivals are independent Venâncio Mondlane, Ossufo Momade, a former rebel commander and leader of the main opposition Renamo party, and Lutero Simango from the Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM). President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after serving the two-term limit, was among the first to vote when polls opened at 07:00 local time (05:00 GMT). Mozambicans are voting in a general election, with the ruling Frelimo party that has been in power for half a century likely to hold on to power. The election is regarded as watershed moment for the southern African nation as for the first time the Frelimo candidate did not fight in the independence war. Counting will start after polls close at 18:00 local time, with official results due to be released in about two weeks.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 09, 2024 18:39 UTC