The presidential candidate, Venâncio Mondlane, currently in second place according to the count by the National Electoral Commission (CNE), has announced a general stoppage of public and private activities starting next Monday, October 21..

The measure, which aims to challenge the election results, was made public through a video published on his official Facebook page, where Mondlane made a direct appeal to the Mozambican people.

In his message, quoted by DWThe candidate explained that the strike will begin at midnight on Monday and will be accompanied by peaceful demonstrations, including the display of placards in repudiation of what he considers to be a dictatorial and corrupt regime. Mondlane expressed his discontent with what he described as the "hijacking of the country by a small predatory elite" which, according to him, has dominated Mozambique for five decades.

"The time has come for the people themselves to show that they are in charge. On Monday, my brothers, we will declare a general national strike, paralyzing all public and private activity," said Mondlane, adding that the action could escalate if the situation doesn't change.

In the same publication, the candidate highlighted the presence of armored vehicles in various areas of Maputo city, but guaranteed that the strike will take place peacefully and that the security forces will be of no use.

Mondlane went on to say that the stoppage is the first step in demonstrating popular dissatisfaction and promised that if the alleged electoral irregularities continue, other tougher measures will be implemented.

(Photo DR)