The Centre for Public Integrity (CIP), a non-governmental organization, estimates that Mozambique lost 24.5 billion meticais (360 million euros) in ten days of stoppages to contest the election results of October 9.
"The total estimated loss for the economy in ten days of demonstration is 24.5 billion meticais, which represents 2% of the total GDP [Gross Domestic Product] estimated for 2024", reads a CIP article on "Impact economic impact of electoral fraud in Mozambique", sent to the media today.
At issue is a series of stoppages of activities and demonstrations called by 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 demonstrations, most of which were violent, left a trail of destruction in the capital Maputo, with deaths, injuries, arrests, destroyed infrastructure and looted commercial establishments, especially on November 7th.
According to the CIP, the sectors of commerce and repair services, transport, storage, information and communications, hotels and restaurants, financial services and taxes on products were the most affected by the demonstrations, with total losses of around 14.9 billion meticais. (219 million euros) i.e. 61% of the losses estimated in the study.
For the CIP, added to the 24.5 billion meticais of losses, at the cost of this year's ballot, 19 billion meticais (279 million euros), this electoral cycle could represent an accumulated impact "greater than 3% of GDP", becoming the "most expensive elections in the history of Mozambique".
Despite exceeding the institutions' figures, 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 grounded and transparent approach in the analysis and dissemination of economic data", reads the article, which mentions the relevance of estimates for the formulation of public policies and business planning and investors.
The Center for Public Integrity also suggests that the Administrative Court (TA) conduct an independent audit of estimates of economic and fiscal losses so that it has data that "accurately reflects the country's economic and fiscal reality."
"In times of crisis it becomes essential not only to report losses, but to communicate in a balanced and well-founded way in order to maintain public and investor confidence", concludes the CIP, considering that allegations of electoral fraud and political instability can affect significantly the Mozambican economy.
After street protests that paralyzed the country on October 21, 24 and 25, Mondlane once again called on the population for a general seven-day strike, starting on October 31, with national protests and a demonstration concentrated in Maputo on Thursday, 7 of November, which caused chaos in the capital, with several barricades, burning tires and police firing shots and tear gas throughout the day.
Venâncio Mondlane announced on Thursday that the protest demonstrations are to be maintained until electoral truth is restored.
At least three people were killed and 66 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.
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