U.S. Embassy
Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, 193
Caixa Postal, 783
Maputo
MOZAMBIQUE
PRESS RELEASE
Embassy Statement on the November 22 Partial Re-Run Election in Marromeu Municipality
December 4, 2018 – The Embassy of the United States of America takes very seriously issues raised by numerous independent election observers regarding the conduct of the November 22 partial re-run of the municipal election in Marromeu. As we noted in our October 13 statement, the voting process appeared to be largely free, fair, and credible in the majority of the 53 participating municipalities. We are gravely concerned, however, that the irregularities reported following the counting process in Marromeu will cast a shadow on the overall electoral contest, and we encourage the full application of Mozambique’s remaining legal mechanisms to remedy the situation in a manner that ensures confidence in the country’s electoral system. We are counting on these institutions to fulfill their responsibilities.
A strong and stable democracy depends on an electoral process that is consistently transparent, fair, and legitimate. We call on all stakeholders to review expeditiously electoral rules and procedures surrounding candidate eligibility, vote tabulation, and dispute resolution with a view to implementing reforms that increase transparency and legitimacy surrounding these key processes. Taking these steps will be essential as Mozambique prepares for national elections in 2019.
For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Maputo Press Office at MaputoPress@state.gov.
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