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ANC wins South African elections. more...
Read more about the Malawi elections here.
Botswana elections news here.
Namibia elections are being held. Read news on the ongoings on this site.
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Chissano appeals for calm: predicts overwhelming victory
by Hugh McCullum
MAPUTO, 29 November 1999
President Joaquim Chisano, his voice hoarse and
visibly exhausted from the grueling Mozambique election campaign, predicted
his ruling Frelimo Party would win the presidency in this week's election and
"our party will get an overwhelming majority in parliament."
He was speaking today at his final press conference of the campaign and
struck an upbeat note, although cautioning Mozambicans "not to get
caught up in the emotion of the election by turning to violence. There have
been some serious incidents during the campaign of rock-throwing and
beatings. We want out elections to be peaceful."
The president, wearing bright red Frelimo colours, said he was optimistic
based on his visits throughout the country, especially in Renamo strongholds
in the center and northern districts. "There are a lot of Renamo workers
defecting to us and brining their followers with them," he said.
Chissano concludes his campaign tomorrow (Tuesday) with a mass rally in
Maputo while his chief rival, Afonso Dhlakama, will be in Beira, his home
area in Sofala province. Voting begins Friday and concludes Saturday.
Facing the often-raised scenario that he would win the presidency while
Renamo would win, the Assembly of the Nation or at least enough seats to
block constitutional amendments, Chissano said he would abide by the rules of
democracy.
"Under our 1990 constitution I have the responsibility of forming the
government and there will be no opposition members in the cabinet. The programmes
of the government must be min with the cabinet. We will then have to discuss
and negotiate with parliament on their role in governance and achieve changes
to the constitution by consensus but I do not think Renamo will win a
majority."
He said, however, that he was confident no matter who won, that none of the
parties would go back to the bush war that was concluded with a ceasefire in
1992 and elections in 1994.
"The people have said over and over they do not want war. They are not
interested in war. They want to develop. Renamo does not want to go back to
war either," Chissano said.
Mozambique, still one of the poorest countries in the world, is developing
quickly he said in response to a journalist's question if anyone in the
country of 15.3 million was dying of hunger.
"No one is starving. We have overcome the food shortages of the past and
are now even exporting maize to neighbouring countries. The rural areas are
active and productive. Over the next five years of my government we will
concentrate on what is essential in the areas of social development. That
means clean and adequate water supplies, health services, electricity,
education and social services."
Mozambique's small but lively independent media has not supported Renamo but
has been critical of Frelimo's performance in economic issues as
well as corruption and other scandals. But the president shrugged off
questions that the non-state media had been overly critical.
"I think they did a good job covering the election. I want them to stay
and thrive. I am committed not only to guaranteeing a free press, but also
reinforcing our citizens' right to freedom of expression." (SARDC)
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