At least two MPs from the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (PODEMOS), the largest opposition party in the country, could lose their seats in parliament if they are not sworn in before the end of the second ordinary session of the Assembly of the Republic (AR)..

These are MPs António Faruma, from the constituency of Tete, in the central province of the same name, and Faizal Anselmo Gabriel, from the constituency of Maputo province, in the south of the country.

Speaking to the press after the end of the first extraordinary session of the AR's Standing Committee (PC), the body's spokesman, Manuel Ramessane, explained that the body will refer the case to the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Human Rights and Legality (CACDHL), the AR's first working committee.

Cited by AIMRamessane acknowledged that there are requirements that both MPs have yet to meet. "We're talking specifically about the Statute for Members of the Assembly of the Republic, which establishes the loss of mandate when the deputy does not take his seat in the AR by the end of the second ordinary session."

This Wednesday (26), the RA begins its first ordinary session and at least 26 points are on the list of issues to be considered by MPs from all four parliamentary benches. In addition to PODEMOS, the RA is made up of Frelimo, the ruling party, Renamo, the second opposition party, and the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM), the third opposition party.

Ramessane revealed that PODEMOS has submitted a request to replace MPs who have not yet been sworn in with others, which would be illegal because the replacement should only take place for an MP who has already been sworn in.

However, PODEMOS spokesman Duclésio Chico revealed that the deputies have not yet been sworn in due to political persecution, as a result of the violent post-election demonstrations that still persist, especially in Mozambique's main cities.

"During the political demonstrations there were killings of members of the opposition parties, and we don't know the reason for these killings and our MPs may be afraid to take office," he said.

(Photo DR)