The Optimist Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos) PODEMOS, which supports the presidential candidacy of Venâncio Mondlane, assures that it will not go alone to the third phase of protests scheduled to begin this Thursday, against the election results announced by the National Electoral Commission (CNE)..

In a publication by DWPODEMOS spokesman Pires Eugénio stressed that the protests, aimed at "demanding electoral truth", will be "peaceful" and will include "other opposition parties".

"Other opposition parties have joined in because, fortunately, the world has understood that this cause is no longer just about Venâncio Mondlane. He has been very thoughtful, even though he is explosive when he appears on [Facebook] lives. Venâncio Mondlane has been under pressure from every corner of this country to take more extreme action," he said.

The marches, which kick off this Thursday and will culminate in a large demonstration in Maputo on November 7, are taking place after PODEMOS submitted an appeal to the Constitutional Council with the original notices and minutes of the vote.

"It's going to be a peaceful demonstration with other modes of action, as a way of putting pressure on the electoral truth to be restored. The aim is to demand electoral truth. We're seeing how we can hold a demonstration in collaboration with the authorities, so that there are no riots, no loss of life, as has happened all over the country. That's not good for the party or the country," said the PODEMOS spokesman.

As for possible riots during the protests, Pires Eugénio denounced that "the police themselves have people infiltrating the demonstrations to cause disorder, which is to then justify their actions".

"We hope that something can change. What is at stake is electoral truth. FRELIMO has to learn to live in democratic ways," he added.

(Photo DR)