Mozambique elections 2019: Pernicious polarization, democratic decline, and rising authoritarianism

Abstract

Abstract Mozambique’s 2019 elections resulted in a landslide victory for the incumbent Frelimo party, but they were also characterized by unprecedented levels of election related violence and other irregularities. The briefing demonstrates that polarization, which has been a common feature of Mozambican politics since independence, has become more pernicious at least since 2013. As is the case in other countries, pernicious polarization is contributing to rising authoritarianism in Mozambique. The briefing traces the roots of pernicious polarization, its shifting dynamics over the last several years, and its impact on the exercise of democratic rights in Mozambique’s recent elections.