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Observers praise Mozambique elections Statements from the
European Union, the Carter Centre and the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum
which was associated with the Carter initiative did everything but pronounce
the elections "free and fair", explaining that the process was not
yet complete since vote counting and verification were a part of their final
conclusions. "But we would not
disagree with that phrase," said Pertti Paasio of Finland, head of the
EU's 54-member mission. Former presidents of
Botswana and the United States, Quett Masire and Jimmy Carter, who co-chaired
the 50-member Carter Centre mission said "we found the electoral process
to be very positive. Mozambicans turned out in large numbers to participate
in the elections and polling officials were well-organised and efficient. Party
agents from both major parties co-operated fully with each other." Meanwhile unofficial
results, largely from Maputo and Maputo province indicated that Frelimo was
leading in first 186 (of 8,350) polling stations by a significant margin. The
results received from Radio Mozambique and the national news agency AIM by
late afternoon showed President Joaquim Chissano with 72,688 votes to 28,195
for Afonso Dhlakama, leader of the Renamo-Electoral Union. Similarly in the
parliamentary contest, Frelimo had 68,922 to Renamo's 24, 889. These figures are very
preliminary and have no official status. Reports from the southern provinces
where Frelimo is traditionally strong may be offset when results start coming
from the central and northern Renamo strongholds although scattered results
indicate Frelimo doing better than expected in the central districts. The
results so far follow a similar pattern to 1994, Mozambique's first
multi-party election, in which Frelimo won both presidential and
parliamentary contests. Firm results will not be
available for at least two more days. Many polls have no electricity,
telephones or other electronic means of transmitting votes and counting was
done in many stations last night by candlelight. Neither Frelimo nor Renamo
would comment today on the early and uncertain results. Both the Carter and
EU observers confirmed that Renamo has set up a parallel computerized
counting system to verify that of the National Elections Commission (CNE).
Paasio commented that this factor could serve to limit rumours and inaccurate
information. The SADC Election
Commission Forum which had shared observation with Carter confirmed similar
finding s and will issue it owns report tomorrow (Tuesday) after meeting with
the CNE, Judge Lewis Makame of Tanzania who is the chairperson, said. The observation missions
confirmed that at least 75 percent of the 7.1 million eligible voters cast
ballots in the three-day election (Friday to Sunday) in almost every polling
station except 11 in Zambezia province where heavy rain and flooding
prevented delivery of election kits. This represents 8,003 voters (0.113
percent) out of the total. The observers' praise for
Mozambique's election was especially strong. Carter said it was the best in
29 international elections his center had participated in and Paasio said
"Mozambique is an example which I will take home to Europe where we have
trouble getting far fewer voters to the ballot box." Observers reported the
voting was peaceful and orderly, that there was a strong representation of
women both as voters and as polling officials and that election officials
were well-trained and efficient. Complaints by Renamo of
harassment by Frelimo officials and that campaigning in three districts of
Tete province - Changara, Cahora Bassa and Mague -- could not be verified by
any observer mission. Renamo apparently has not submitted their complaints in
writing to the CNE which has promised and investigation into the Tete
situation and also the arrests of seven Renamo officials in Beira. Carter went out of his way to praise to role played by women. "Most of our observer team were impressed by the high levels of participation by women as polling officials, observers, party agents and voters. On average, there were roughly two women polling officials per station," he said. (SARDC) |
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[Elections '99 || Sustainable Democracy || SARDC] Mail Editorial for comments and queries. |
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