Elvino Dias, the lawyer representing the leading opposition candidate in Mozambique, Venancio Mondlane, was killed in a shooting in the capital, Maputo, on Saturday. The incident also claimed the life of Paulo Guambe, a candidate from the Podemos party, which supports Mondlane.
According to witnesses, two gunmen opened fire on their vehicle while it was stationary on a road in central Maputo.
Albino Forquilha, head of the Podemos party, confirmed the deaths, while the national lawyers’ association expressed “deep shock” over the loss of Dias.
Civil society observer group Mais Integridade condemned the attack, labelling the murders as repugnant and describing them as an act of intimidation aimed at undermining the country’s democracy.
Police have launched an investigation but have not yet officially confirmed the identities of the victims.
Mozambique is awaiting the official results of the nationwide elections, which are expected to be announced on October 24. Mondlane, who ran against the ruling Frelimo party that has governed Mozambique for 49 years since independence, declared victory shortly after polling day. However, he has accused Frelimo of electoral fraud, claiming that the ruling party is manipulating the vote count.
In response, Mondlane has called for demonstrations on Monday to protest the alleged irregularities.