The presidential candidate of the party that has ruled the country for almost half a century, Daniel Chapo, called on Mozambicans to unite to preserve the country's independence and fight terrorism

Speaking on Saturday in Insaca, in Niassa province, during his pre-election campaign, Chapo declared that "we will not allow anyone to divide us in order to govern us".

Quoted by Rádio Moçambique, the Frelimo candidate said that "there is no development without peace. We can only develop when there is peace.

Chapo guaranteed that Frelimo would continue to preserve national unity, because the secret of success for Mozambicans lies in unity.

"We will continue to preserve our independence and our territorial integrity," he promised. "And for these reasons, we will continue to fight terrorism."

Chapo urged Mozambicans to participate en masse in the presidential, parliamentary and provincial elections scheduled for October 9.

"On October 9, we can't stay at home and think we've already won," he said. "You only win if you go out and vote."