Sympathizers and supporters of Venâncio Mondlane beat up a CNJ observer after he was caught trying to bribe the Podemos party candidate and the polling station teller on Saturday night in Maganja da Costa district, Zambézia province. Each was to receive 15,000 meticais.

The idea of the bribe was to facilitate the introduction of ballot papers for the benefit of another political party.

The Podemos candidate delegate said he was surprised by the movement at the polling station, after the day had started smoothly. He said that in the meantime, he was called by the presiding officer of the polling station to discuss the scheme.

"He said, 'Brother, we want to give you some money so we can win the table. At first I said I wouldn't take it because I was working to help my people. I didn't receive the money. I went to my trustee and the delegate. I presented my case. They told me to take the money and prove the crime"

The teller, who confirms the bribery attempt, said that he was first offered ten thousand meticais. He refused and asked for 15 thousand. He said that he presented the amount to the party, which also said that the amount would be used to prove the crime.

"The amount was intended to annul the votes of the candidate Venâncio Mondlane and favor the victory of Daniel Chapo at that table," he said.

The police were called to intervene and tempers flared.

According to STVIn the four polling stations for the presidential elections, the Frelimo candidate, Daniel Chapo, won 332 votes; Venâncio Mondlane 331; Lutero Simango 12; and Ossufo Momade won eight votes.

For the Assembly of the Republic, Frelimo won 304 votes; Podemos 282, Renamo 53; and MDM 11 votes.

For the Provincial Assembly, Frelimo won 309 votes, Podemos 183, Renamo 55 and MDM nine.