Mozambique elections marred by climate of fear

Mozambique’s general elections held on Tuesday were well organised but marred by an unlevel playing field, violence and a climate of fear, according to a preliminary assessment by EU monitors. 

While praising the voting day as smooth, orderly and largely peaceful, the EU decried violence in the run-up to the vote - murder, the torching of houses and obstruction of campaigns.

Th EU also questioned the integrity of the voters' register. 

The electoral administration has denied accusations of vote manipulation. 

The leader of the main opposition party, Renamo, Ossufo Momade, has warned he will not accept manipulated results, prompting fears August’s peace accord with the government could be in jeopardy.

Official results are expected before the month's end.