The strikes and demonstrations held in Mozambique after the elections caused losses of 24.5 billion meticais (360 million euros). These are the “most expensive elections in the history” of the country.
The Center for Public Integrity (CIP), a non-governmental organization, estimates that Mozambique lost 24.5 billion meticais (360 million euros) in ten days of strikes to challenge the results of the October 9 elections.
“The total estimated loss for the economy in ten days of demonstration is 24.5 billion meticais, representing 2% of GDP [Produto Interno Bruto] estimated total for 2024″, reads a CIP article on the “Economic impact of electoral fraud in Mozambique”, sent this Monday to the media.
This is a series of stoppages of activities and demonstrations called by the presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, who does not recognize the results of the general elections that gave victory to Daniel Chapo and the Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo, party in power). .
The mostly violent demonstrations left a trail of destruction in the capital, Maputo, with a record of deaths, injuries, arrests, destroyed infrastructure and looted commercial establishments, especially on November 7.
According to the CIP, the sectors of trade and repair services, transport, storage, information and communications, hospitality and catering, financial services and product taxes were the most affected by the demonstrations, with total losses of around 14.9 billion meticais (219 million euros), that is, 61% of the losses estimated in the study.
At least three dead and 66 injured on Thursday in clashes in Maputo
For the CIP, added to the 24.5 billion meticais in losses, at the expense of this year’s elections, 19 billion meticais (279 million euros), this electoral cycle could represent a cumulative impact “greater than 3 % of GDP”, becoming the “The most expensive elections in the history of Mozambique”.
Despite exceeding the figures of the institutions, the CIP article is based on data provided by the Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) and the country’s Tax Authority, which recommends transparency in the analysis of the economic impacts of the strikes .
“It is recommended that the Government and the CTA adopt a more informed and transparent approach in the analysis and dissemination of economic data,” reads the article, which mentions the relevance of the estimates for public policy formulation and business planning and investors.
The Center for Public Integrity also suggests that the Administrative Tribunal (AT) conduct an independent audit of the estimates of economic and fiscal losses so that it has data that “accurately reflects the economic and fiscal reality of the country.”
“In times of crisis it becomes essential not only to report losses, but to communicate in a balanced and substantiated way to maintain the trust of the public and investors,” concludes the CIP, considering that accusations of electoral fraud and political instability can affect significantly the Mozambican economy.
After the street protests that paralyzed the country on October 21, 24 and 25, Mondlane once again called on the population to a seven-day general strike, starting on October 31, with national protests and a demonstration concentrated in Maputo on Thursday, November 7. , which caused chaos in the capital, with several barricades, burning tires and police shooting and throwing tear gas throughout the day.
Venâncio Mondlane announced on Thursday that the protest demonstrations will continue until the electoral truth is restored.
At least three people died and 66 were injured during clashes between protesters and police on Thursday, the eighth day of the strikes called by Venâncio Mondlane, announced the Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), the country’s largest health unit.
Source: Observadora
