The main opposition parties in Mozambique have criticized the public appearance in the city of Chimoio of a group of Chinese people campaigning and offering propaganda material to the ruling Frelimo party, and warn that the attitude could jeopardize the country's sovereignty.

A publication by VOA, refers to a video circulating on social media, in which a Chinese citizen and, incidentally, spokesperson for the Manica Chinese Association, Cai Mary, appears dressed in a Frelimo vest and cap, talking about an exchange of favors with electoral propaganda material.

"The video was filmed during the pre-campaign, on the outskirts of the city of Chimoio, but at various times during the campaign the participation of Chinese citizens was still noticeable," says the same publication.

However, Renamo and the MDM in Manica say that the appearance and public support of that group of citizens interferes with the interests of a democratic rule of law, insofar as the exchange of favors is generally to the detriment of the population.

For António Cigarette, spokesperson for the MDM campaign, "this is not normal. This Chinese group is campaigning in favor of Frelimo, because it benefits from some mines or forests for logging."

Cigarette says that the current election campaign "is disproportionate" because of that kind of favor.

Manuel Macocove, spokesman for the Renamo campaign, considers the participation of Chinese citizens to be interference in the affairs of the Mozambican state.

"For the favors they're doing China, they're getting paid long before the funds are disbursed by the National Electoral Commission. This shows the weaknesses of our country and our institutions," favoring the party that has ruled the country since independence in 1975 to remain in power, says Macocove.

"We don't think this can go on like this, because it hurts our sovereignty. As soon as resources are offered to certain parties in the name of the government, sovereignty is undermined," Macocove emphasized.

It should be noted that the Chinese participation in Frelimo's campaign comes at a time when the relationship between Mozambique and China is growing. The Asian country is also one of its main creditors.

(Photo DR)