Mozambique votes in tense election despite economic struggles: Video

The election unfolds against a backdrop of rising political tension and significant social challenges, including high poverty rates and ongoing jihadist violence in the northern regions, which has hampered critical gas projects.

Outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, 65, was among the first voters as polling stations opened at 7:00 AM (0500 GMT). His successor from Frelimo, 47-year-old provincial governor Daniel Chapo, is a relatively unknown figure who emphasized the need for calm after casting his vote.

If elected, Chapo would make history as the first president born after Mozambique's independence from Portugal in 1975 and the first not to have participated in the 16-year civil war that shaped the nation's political landscape.

Chapo faces significant competition from Renamo leader Ossufo Momade, 63, and Venancio Mondlane, 50, who alleged widespread electoral fraud after losing a recent mayoral race.

Voter sentiments shared with the AFP reflect a desire for change and a better future. Alziro Joao, a 30-year-old voter, expressed hope for transformation, stating, "It's important to vote for our best future to see if Mozambique is gonna change." Similarly, Fernando Monteiro emphasized the importance of voting as a civic right that could influence the country’s future.

The African Development Bank reports that over 74% of Mozambique's population lived in poverty in 2023. Hopes for economic improvement following the discovery of vast gas reserves in 2010 have been thwarted by violence in Cabo Delgado, prompting ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies to suspend their projects.