Elections

I wanted to post a photo of one of the political posters here, but Kevin thinks it wouldn't be wise - people can get into trouble in Africa for talking about politics! But here in Mozambique things are pretty calm.

On Wednesday, national elections were held. The current president was running again (he has served one five-year term, and is allowed to serve three terms) as well as two others, and for weeks before we saw trucks full of campaigners cruising around shouting and playing loud music. Groups of people wearing their party colors and chanting walked up and down the streets, and it was all quite interesting!

Election day itself was very quiet, and we heard reports that people had to stand in line for many, many hours to vote. But it is encouraging to hear that people do turn out to vote. The official results won't be announced for a month, but already the preliminary results say that the current president will be serving again. This is a surprise to no one, since the opposition party split this year and didn't have a strong chance. As to whether the elections are free and fair, there is some debate as to whether they are 100%, and we do hear of harrassment (and personally know those who are harrassed) but in general we believe the will of the people is heard.

We are so thankful it has been a peaceful process and enjoy talking about it with our friends here - they feel it is all very exciting (there have only been a few elections here, so people still enjoy it). It is such a big deal that kids get out of school a couple of weeks early, ane election day is a national holiday. - C