Good Governance and Elections with Integrity

Since the transition to multiparty democracy materialized by the holding of the first general elections of 1994, the country has cyclically organized electoral elections. Experience in conducting electoral processes over the years shows that there are progresses, learnings and challenges for the institutionalization of Mozambican democracy. However, despite the regular conduct of electoral processes, major challenges remain for the credibility of democratic processes. That is, the holding of the elections per se has not been sufficient for the consolidation of electoral democracy. Almost every election has been harshly questioned, whether in the preparatory phase, during and especially in the post-election period. In some cases, conditions for holding elections excite for conflicts that take on military dimensions. Integrity, transparency and fairness in electoral processes are some of the elements that despite efforts remain critical and make the real transition to a consolidated multiparty democracy difficult.