General elections in Mozambique: Democracy versus stability, re-visited!

On 9 October, Mozambique held regular presidential and legislative elections, the 7th in a row since the end of internal war and the introduction of multiparty democracy. As in previous elections, there is evidence of massive fraud and manipulation in favour of Frelimo, the ruling party, which has won all elections, and kept power for 50 years. But Frelimo’s aging party elite finds it difficult to legitimise its power, meeting opposition at the ballot box, vocal contestation from youth and in media, and an armed insurgency in the north. The leading opposition candidate has called a general strike for Monday.

What does democratisation in a context like Mozambique mean, with an electoral autocracy and instability threatening? What trade-off is there between democracy and stability? Should only votes count, or are negotiated solutions acceptable? Are authoritarian regimes and practices tolerated for the sake of stability?

Short introductions by Torun Reite (Scanteam), Egna Sidumo (CMI) and Aslak Orre (CMI) followed by discussions.

Snacks are included.