Maputo - Mozambique's top court has
dismissed opposition party Renamo's application to have the
results of its recent general election dismissed - a scenario
Renamo has said could result in violence in the country just
months after an historic peace deal.
A written judgement posted on the Constitutional Council's
website and dated November 11 said the council had dismissed the
appeal to have the victory of President Filipe Nyusi and his
party Frelimo in the October 15 election annulled.
"The applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to
support its claim," the judgement said.
It was hoped the presidential, legislative and provincial
poll would set the seal on a peace pact signed between Nyusi and
Renamo leader Ossufo Momade in August that put an end to four
decades of hostility between the two parties.
Instead it has stoked tensions as opposition parties said
the vote was hit by major fraud. Momade has said the country
risked sliding back into violence if the election results were
validated.
"If one wants to save Mozambique, the election must be
annulled," he said, according to broadcaster STV on Wednesday,
adding that Renamo had respected the peace accord so far.
"We will not accept that a small group of people alter the
will of the Mozambican people."
The run-up to the election was marred by violence including
from a breakaway group of former Renamo fighters, which staged
attacks in the country's central regions.
A number of attacks have also taken place since the poll,
with analysts fearing the outcome could worsen violence.