Mozambique Political Process Bulletin

Mozambique Political
Process Bulletin


2008 Local Election Issue 3 – 7 November 2008
--------------------------------------------------------
Published frequently during the election period
Editor: Joseph Hanlon (j.hanlon@open.ac.uk) – Deputy editor: Adriano Nuvunga
Published by AWEPA, the European Parliamentarians for Africa, and CIP, Centro de Integridade Pública
----------------------------------------------------------


CANDIDATES IN THE MARKETS


Local election campaigning continued, with many candidates going into local markets in their efforts to meet voters. No serious incidents have been reported by our 50 correspondents, although there have been minor skirmishes and the ongoing problem of tearing down opposition posters. In Marrupa (Niassa) our correspondent reports that Renamo was prohibited from having a rally in the local market – the first report of such an improper ban.


Frelimo using its
natural advantage


In any election, the governing party has a natural advantage – normally its candidates have a higher profile and it has the support of ministers and other elected officials. In a democracy, the first task of any government is to be re-elected. And it is clear that government business has stopped, with ministers and officials on the campaign trail.


The electoral law tries to limit the advantage of the incumbent government, imposing fairness rules on the government-owned media and banning the use of government property and facilities. So far, these rules are being largely followed. But our correspondents report two important exceptions. + The use of state and municipality cars is widespread -- as well as those noted yesterday, correspondents report incidents in Nampula (by Frelimo), Inhambane (Frelimo and Renamo) and Marromeu (Renamo).
+ Correspondents also report Frelimo posters in municipal and government buildings, schools and hospitals in several cities, including Inhambane, Lichinga, Chokwe and Nampula.


Daviz Simango
and Renamo


Daviz Simango, standing as independent candidate for re-election as mayor of Beira after not having been re-selected to be Renamo’s candidate, has been using the Renamo banner and calling on his supporters to vote for Renamo candidates for municipal assembly. But Renamo has objected.


Demonstrating their manhood


Despite the relative calm, young men on both sides seem willing to demonstrate their manhood by fighting with youths on the other side. The most serious punch-up was again in Beira. Other incidents have been reported in Mocuba and Marromeu. In Tete, Renamo members threw stones at journalist Otilia Benedito.


2008 Local Election Issue 3 – 7 November 2008
--------------------------------------------------------
Published frequently during the election period
Editor: Joseph Hanlon (j.hanlon@open.ac.uk) – Deputy editor: Adriano Nuvunga
Published by AWEPA, the European Parliamentarians for Africa, and CIP, Centro de Integridade Pública
----------------------------------------------------------


CANDIDATES IN THE MARKETS


Local election campaigning continued, with many candidates going into local markets in their efforts to meet voters. No serious incidents have been reported by our 50 correspondents, although there have been minor skirmishes and the ongoing problem of tearing down opposition posters. In Marrupa (Niassa) our correspondent reports that Renamo was prohibited from having a rally in the local market – the first report of such an improper ban.


Frelimo using its
natural advantage


In any election, the governing party has a natural advantage – normally its candidates have a higher profile and it has the support of ministers and other elected officials. In a democracy, the first task of any government is to be re-elected. And it is clear that government business has stopped, with ministers and officials on the campaign trail.


The electoral law tries to limit the advantage of the incumbent government, imposing fairness rules on the government-owned media and banning the use of government property and facilities. So far, these rules are being largely followed. But our correspondents report two important exceptions. + The use of state and municipality cars is widespread -- as well as those noted yesterday, correspondents report incidents in Nampula (by Frelimo), Inhambane (Frelimo and Renamo) and Marromeu (Renamo).
+ Correspondents also report Frelimo posters in municipal and government buildings, schools and hospitals in several cities, including Inhambane, Lichinga, Chokwe and Nampula.


Daviz Simango
and Renamo


Daviz Simango, standing as independent candidate for re-election as mayor of Beira after not having been re-selected to be Renamo’s candidate, has been using the Renamo banner and calling on his supporters to vote for Renamo candidates for municipal assembly. But Renamo has objected.


Demonstrating their manhood


Despite the relative calm, young men on both sides seem willing to demonstrate their manhood by fighting with youths on the other side. The most serious punch-up was again in Beira. Other incidents have been reported in Mocuba and Marromeu. In Tete, Renamo members threw stones at journalist Otilia Benedito.