Filipe Nyusi, the president of Mozambique, has issued a warning to citizens regarding violent protests in advance of the announcement of election results.

Mozambique's President, Filipe Nyusi, issued a warning on Wednesday regarding calls for violent protests, stating that such actions could be classified as criminal offenses. This warning comes as tensions rise ahead of the imminent release of election results from the October 9 ballot. Leading opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane has announced a campaign of "25 days of terror" in response to the killing of his attorney, with results expected to indicate that the ruling Frelimo party is likely to secure another victory.

President Nyusi emphasized the right of Mozambicans to protest, but expressed concern about the potential for unrest, stating, "Inciting the population to revolt, misinforming the world, and creating chaos for political purposes can be considered criminal acts." He described the news of planned demonstrations against an electoral process that has yet to conclude as "unsettling."

On the same day, thousands gathered outside the capital to attend the funeral of slain lawyer Elvino Dias, who, along with another opposition ally, Paulo Guambe, was killed while preparing to contest the election results on behalf of Mondlane and the Podemos party. The two were attacked while traveling in a vehicle, resulting in their deaths early Saturday morning. Mondlane accused security forces of firing at them 25 times and vowed to initiate "25 days of terror" as retribution.

In response to the killings, police announced they have begun an investigation, while the Frelimo party, which has been in power for 49 years, strongly condemned the "macabre act."

Concerns about electoral violence are not new in Mozambique, where such incidents have occurred in the past, including several deaths following the municipal elections last year. However, Mondlane's rhetoric has intensified, referring to a "revolutionary roadmap" on social media platforms. The 50-year-old former radio presenter faced tear gas from police during a protest on Monday.

European Union election observers have also raised alarms about the legitimacy of the recent elections, pointing out "irregularities during counting and unjustified alterations of election results at polling station and district levels." Initial reports indicate low voter turnout in the coastal nation, which has a population of approximately 33 million, potentially further undermining the credibility of the election results.

President Nyusi, who is stepping down after completing two terms as permitted by the constitution, is expected to be succeeded by his party’s candidate, 47-year-old Daniel Chapo. Other candidates in the presidential race include Ossufo Momade, 63, from the Renamo party, and Lutero Simango, 64, from the Mozambique Democratic Movement. While Renamo has traditionally been the primary opposition party, the emergence of Mondlane and the Podemos party represents a new dynamic in this election cycle.

According to Emilia Columbo of the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, "Mondlane and Podemos have leveraged social media to connect with Mozambique's large youth population who are seeking a change to the status quo."