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Mozambique

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Map of Mozambique Last Reviewed: 25 June 2009

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POLITICS

Mozambique's first democratic elections were held in October 1994, under close international scrutiny. Frelimo’s Joaquim Chissano (who had succeeded Machel following the latter’s death in an air-crash in 1986) was elected president on 53% of the vote. Renamo’s Afonso Dhlakama received 35%. Frelimo won 129 of the 250 seats in parliament and Renamo 112; a coalition of smaller parties, the Democratic Union, won the 9 remaining seats.

Both presidential and parliamentary elections were held again in December 1999, and Chissano was re-elected with 52% of the vote, against Dhlakama's 48%. Frelimo won 133 seats in parliament and the Renamo-Electoral Union coalition of eleven parties 117. In the most recent elections, held in December 2004, Chissano’s successor, Armando Guebuza, won 64% of the vote and Dhlakama 32%. Frelimo took 158 seats in parliament and Renamo took 92. The next general elections are scheduled for 28 October 2009.

Renamo has repeatedly criticised the electoral process, and boycotted municipal elections in 1998. But international observers – although noting irregularities – have declared national elections to be free and fair; or at least reflecting the will of the electorate. Observers found the 2004 elections to be the least satisfactory since 1994. Frelimo’s inroads into Renamo’s central region heartlands fed widespread suspicion of fraud, although Renamo’s legal challenge was unsuccessful. There is now a debate on reform of the institutional framework to tackle some of the problems and irregularities observed in the process.

HUMAN RIGHTS

Human rights in Mozambique were poorly observed during the civil war, and atrocities were committed by both sides. Though the human rights situation in the country is far from perfect, it has improved since the civil war ended.  The remaining problems are largely a result of systemic weaknesses such as police corruption, prison over-crowding and a culture of impunity in the political elite, rather than repressive policies or legislation.

Reports of human rights abuses by the police and poor prison conditions persist and the investigation and bringing to justice of perpetrators, as highlighted in a 2008 Amnesty International report, continues to be a problem. Child trafficking, domestic violence and disabled rights are also areas of concern.

However, there have been some positive developments. The 2005 Family Law made important strides towards gender equality, especially in terms of ownership of domestic assets. There have also been advances in children’s rights, including the passing of three new laws on child protection and the establishment of a Southern African Network Against Child Abuse and Trafficking. Mozambique was the first member of SADC to introduce a law against child trafficking.

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Mozambique

Address:

High Commission of the Republic of Mozambique
21 Fitzroy Square
London W1T 6EL

Telephone:

(020) 7383 3800

Fax:

(020) 7383 3801

Office hours:

Mon-Fri: 0930-1300 and 1400-1700