MDM Deputies Boycott Parliament Amid Electoral Dispute
The Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) has announced that its elected deputies will not take their seats in the 10th Legislature of the Assembly of the Republic, scheduled to convene on January 13. The decision, made during an extraordinary Political Commission meeting yesterday, reflects the party’s rejection of the October 2024 electoral results.
A senior party official confirmed the decision to **TORRE.news**, stating that MDM President Lutero Simango is expected to formally announce the move during a press conference later today.
Initially awarded four parliamentary seats by the National Electoral Commission (CNE), the MDM's tally increased to eight after adjustments by the Constitutional Council (CC). However, the boycott aligns with the party's stance of non-recognition of the election results and the declared President, Daniel Chapo.
"It would be inconsistent for the MDM to reject the election results while allowing its parliamentary group to take office," the official explained.
The political climate surrounding the swearing-in ceremony remains tense. Protests led by presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who alleges widespread electoral fraud, continue across several cities in Mozambique.
The Renamo party, which placed third in the elections and secured 28 parliamentary seats, also disputes the results. Renamo has convened an emergency Political Commission meeting today to decide whether its deputies will participate in the inauguration.
Meanwhile, PODEMOS, the second-largest political force with 41 seats, has confirmed its representatives will take office. The party has nearly finalized its internal parliamentary structure, including nominations for vice-president of the Assembly, caucus leadership, and committee memberships. However, internal divisions within PODEMOS persist, with disagreements between the party's leadership and Venâncio Mondlane over parliamentary participation and alleged violations of their coalition agreement.
As the Assembly prepares to convene, the political landscape remains deeply polarized, underscoring the contentious aftermath of Mozambique’s 2024 general elections.
