Mozambique’s ruling party wins landslide in disputed poll

(BBC) Mozambique’s ruling party, Frelimo, has won the country’s divisive, violence-marred election, extending its 49-year grip on power in the southern African nation, the election commission has announced.

Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s relatively unknown presidential candidate who has been seen as an agent of change, will replace Filipe Nyusi, who has served two terms.

At 47 years old, Chapo, who gained 71% of the vote, will be the first president born after Mozambique’s independence in 1975. His closest challenger, Venancio Mondlane got 20%.

The election has been marred by allegations of rigging and the killing of opposition supporters, prompting protests across the country.

Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa, who has also been hit by allegations of election fraud over the years, prematurely congratulated Chapo on his “resounding victory”, even before the results were announced.