The European Union (EU) yesterday expressed concern at reports of irregularities in the local elections in Mozambique, which took place on October 11, and said it was closely monitoring the aftermath of the electoral process.

"Mozambican society was actively engaged and participated on a large scale," the EU said in a statement, quoted by Lusa.

He also expressed concern about "reports of irregularities" and hoped that "these would be duly dealt with in order to guarantee a peaceful and satisfactory outcome to the electoral process, in full respect for the rule of law and democratic principles".

In the same statement, the EU also regretted the deaths of two people during Friday's demonstrations and called on all those involved to "act peacefully", and on the authorities to "guarantee the safe exercise of the right to freedom of association and expression".

A police officer and a young man died during demonstrations in Nampula and Nacala against the results of the local elections in Mozambique, according to the Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).