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Mozambique’s Guebuza Starts Second Term, Stresses Unity
January 20, 2010
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

Following the conclusion of Mozambique’s October 28, 2009 general election, incumbent Armando Guebuza was declared the winner of the country’s presidential election.  Leopoldo da Costa, head of the National Electoral Commission, announced that Guebuza had claimed more than 75 percent of the votes.  In the country’s parliament, 191 of the possible 250 seats were won by members of Guebuza’s party – giving them a 2/3 majority.  Despite being plagued with allegations of election fraud and misconduct, the election results were recognized.  On January 14, 2010, it was reported by Voice of America Mozambican correspondent Simeao Pongoane that Guebuza had “dissolved his government.”  On the following day, Guebuza was sworn in for his second five-year term in office.  Guebuza was first elected to office following the country’s 2004 election and took office on February 2, 2005.

In his inaugural address, Guebuza, a member of the powerful Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo), stated that he will work with the country’s parliament in order to implement more effective electoral laws, Voice of America reports.  However, critics speculate that the proposed revisions in Mozambique’s electoral laws will be used to maintain Guebuza and Frelimo’s political dominance.  Opposition party Renamo is calling for a boycott of the country’s new parliament citing that the elected members only got into office because of the fraudulent election.  Renamo Secretary-General Ussufo Momade has stated that his party will not recognize the results of the election and is now demanding that another election be held.

According to two articles by AllAfrica.com, after the inauguration, Guebuza began appointing his new government.  Former Education Minister Aires Ali was appointed to the position of Prime Minister.  Ali has held previous prestigious political positions under Guebuza, including: head of the office of the Minister of Education (1989-90), National Director of School Social Welfare Programmes (1991-92), and Minister of Education and Culture (2005).  Ali is not the only Guebuza appointee to have a previous political appointment.  Many other members of Guebuza’s old government have also been reappointed to various offices while some members are continuing in their previous positions.  In addition, Guebuza also stressed the concept of national unity when he addressed the newly formed Assembly, stating: “we are one and the same people, one and the same nation, building a common future.”

Sources:
Voice of America - Mozambican President Guebuza to be Sworn-In for Second Term
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/Mozambican-President-Guebuza-to-be-Sworn-in-for-Second-Term-81318932.html

Voice of America - Mozambique President Dissolves Cabinet Before Inauguration
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/southern/Mozambique-President-Dissolves-Cabinet-Before-Inauguration--81397092.html

AllAfrica.com - Guebuza Announces New Government
http://allafrica.com/stories/201001180720.html

AllAfrica.com - Guebuza Calls for Improved Electoral Laws
http://allafrica.com/stories/201001120882.html

Also See:
Mozambique General Election Commences Amid Claims of Corrupt Practices
http://ccd21.org/news/africa/mozambique_begins_elections.html