General elections 2024: MDM takes first position on ballot paper

Coincidentally, the MDM’s presidential candidate, Lutero Simango, also drew the first position on the presidential ballot paper.

The draw further determined that the ruling party, Frelimo, will occupy the second position, while Renamo, the largest opposition party, will be in the third position.

Thus, the three parties currently represented in parliament will occupy the initial positions on the ballot paper as mandated by law.

“Once the draw is done, the next step is the production of ballots for President of the Republic, Assembly of the Republic, and provincial assemblies,” said Paulo Cuinica, CNE spokesperson, to the media right after the draw in Maputo.

The CNE drew the positions for a total of 37 political formations, on a day that also saw the draw for airtime allocation for electoral propaganda in the media, for the campaign period starting from the 24th of this month until October 6.

On the occasion, Paulo Cuinica also noted that the funds for the electoral campaign, which were supposed to be distributed 21 days before the campaign start, have not yet been deposited.

The CNE plans to allocate 260 million meticais to the parties, political formations, and presidential candidates for the general elections on October 9.

According to the CNE’s calendar, the disbursement of campaign funds should take place from June 28 to August 31.

Without disclosing the amount, the CNE spokesperson mentioned that the electoral body still faces a budget deficit for the electoral process in Mozambique, noting that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.

“What we are responsible for is what we are doing. We are working, and we believe the Ministry of Economy and Finance is also working to find the money to cover all the costs related to the electoral process,” said Paulo Cuinica.

Mozambique will hold its presidential elections on October 9, which will be held simultaneously with the legislative, gubernatorial, and provincial assembly elections