Elections in Mozambique October 2009

Thanks for the warning, Fulana. My wife and I are planning to be in the northern parts (Cuamba, Nampula, Ilha de Moz) early in October, so we will bear it in mind.

It is not categorically the Northern Mozambique, but mainly the districts where there are political conflicts and the opposition is strong (ie Central and Northern areas), or where results historically have been contested. Last elections (in November) went calmly, but these ones in October 2009 are now major ones and a lot is at stake. There have already been problems registering the voters.

You can find material about Mozambique here
http://www.open.ac.uk/technology/mozambique/index.shtml

Thank you. We will keep an eye on events.

No cause to change any plans - I think that the elections will be a big non-event (from a journalistic point of view), but of course important for the people.

Mike

Violence and unrest reported in different locations around the country, mainly in Nampula, Tete, Sofala.

No need to make any changes in travel plans, but it could be a good idea to stay alert and at a distance from election rallies.

Thanks for the warning, Fulana. If you get updates, please keep us in the picture.
Rudi

Violent incidents, but no casualties have been reported in Northern Mozambique, mainly in Tete. Most have taken place between the supporters of Renamo and Frelimo. It is feared more violence will take place in Tete.

We got back home just on a week ago and although there was plenty of marching and rallies, both in Nampula and on Ilha we saw no violence of any sort. And we were in the thick of things.
When I feel better I will try to post a report on our trip from Blantyre to Ilha and back by public transport.
Thanks for keeping tabs on the situation.

RudiK, waiting for your report :)

Election campaign ended in parties! So Mozambican :)

There were isolated, minor incidents of violence in different parts of the country, but those were purely between active supporters of the opposition and Frelimo (who tries to extinguish the opposition), for instance tear gas was fired in Nacala on Sunday. There is political tension due to Frelimo's hard approach which is targeted at the opposition. Ordinary citizens in general either support Frelimo or are afraid of Frelimo, so they would not get involved in a major upheaval. Mozambique in practice is an authoritarian mono-party country (Frelimo= the government= the state) that reflects in the limited opportunities for political expression.

Otherwise Mozambicans by nature are peaceful and peace-living (also tired after the prolonged civil war), they themselves consider only three tribes more aggressive.