Mozambique: Calm and quiet campaign

In contrast to 1999 and 2004, with just 10 days to go before the election, the campaign is slowing down. The Bulletin’s 120 journalists spread across the country all report the same thing: “everything is calm”. In the first days the parties had caravans of cars racing around countryside, but this has dropped off considerably. And there has been a similar drop in public involvement in party parades and rallies. Also this year, it seems that fewer party caps, shirts and capulanas are being distributed. There also seems to be less door-to-door campaigning. “You hardly notice we are in an election campaign”, a resident of Gorongosa commented to the Bulletin.

There has also been a sharp reduction in the use of state cars by Frelimo, following detailed reports of extensive use in the early days of the campaign. Where state cars are still being used, much more care is being taken to use banners and posters to cover up registration numbers and names of ministries.

MDM appeal rejected as too late

The Constitutional Council has rejected an MDM appeal against the exclusion of its lists in most provinces. The MDM submitted its appeal on 21 September, but the law requires that appeals be submitted within 5 working days. Lists of candidates were posted outside the CNE on Sunday 6 September. (Acordão 24/CC/2009 de 2 de Outubro de 09)

Campaign incidents

Acts of violence by all parties and use of state vehicles continues to be reported in a few places. These are reports from out 120 journalists as well as from people’s correspondents.

Violence

Manhiça, Maputo province: Those accused to attacking 7 MDM sympathisers on 30 September will go to trial in the district tribunal on 21 October.

Moatize, Tete: More incidents are reported from Tete than elsewhere. Two MDM supporters, Sandra Domingos and Ângela Rafael Joaquim, both breast-feeding women, were held for at least two days – 12 to 14 October – at the district police command, for allegedly destroying Frelimo posters. On 11 October four MDM supporters were arrested for destroying Frelimo and Renamo publicity material. And on 10 October, a Frelimo shock group in Zobué disrupted an MDM rally with a mix of singing, drumming, dancing, and stone throwing.

Maxixe, Inhambane: OJM members led by the Frelimo district secretary accused of destroying Renamo and MDM campaign material in Chambone on 13 October.

Mabalane, Gaza: The Renamo-nominated member of the district election commission was attacked outside his house on 13 October, allegedly by Frelimo members.
Chókwé, Gaza: An MDM member claims he was threatened that he would be killed it he did not join Frelimo.

Machanga, Sofala: 17 October, Frelimo and MDM in scuffle in Chigogoro. Claim Frelimo shock group was pulling down MDM posters and MDM reacted by throwing stones, injuring two Frelimo militants.
Buzi, Sofala: A candidate for provincial assembly is receiving training as a polling station staff member, which is not permitted.

Murrumbala, Zambézia: A Frelimo shock group attacked PRR member Carlitos Davane in Boroma on 12 October.

Use of state cars by Frelimo

Pemba, Cabo Delgado: Frelimo is using government cars brought from Maputo, according to the driver of one of the cars. The cars include a Land Rover Discovery MMQ-56-48 of the Ministry of Agriculture, used since the beginning of the campaign.

Cahora, Bassa, Tete: 15 October, Ford double cabin of district administration.

Mabalane, Gaza: Education, white Nissan Hardbody MMS 14-06

Muchanga, Sofala: 17 October, Agriculture, white Toyota Hilux MLV 06-44