The head of the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) in Mozambique, Laura Ballarín, joined the chorus of voices, including social activist Graça Machel, who condemned the barbaric murder of Elvino Dias, legal advisor to presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, and the PODEMOS representative, Paulo Guambe..

"The European Union Election Observation Mission calls on the competent national authorities to swiftly investigate this heinous act, identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable," said Laura Ballarín.

According to a Savannah newspaperThe High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, also issued a statement condemning the murder of Dias and Guambe in the early hours of Saturday morning in the city of Maputo.

"In a democracy, there is no place for politically motivated killings," said Josep Borrell in his statement, adding: "The EU calls for maximum restraint on the part of all and for respect for fundamental freedoms and political rights. In addition, strong measures to protect all candidates in this post-election period are crucial," Borrell wrote.

Elvino Dias, an important advisor to Venâncio Mondlane, was crucial in documenting the alleged fraud in the 2023 municipal elections in Maputo City and was an important part of pressuring the electoral bodies. Dias was preparing to do the same in the current elections, considered by Venâncio Mondlane and PODEMOS to have been "fraudulent".

(Photo DR)