Observing the 1999 elections in Mozambique : final report

Viewing the 1999 elections in Mozambique as important to reinforcing peace and democratic stability in the country and across the region, the Carter Center organized a comprehensive observation program of the electoral process, including an assessment of registration and the deployment of 10 medium-term observers to monitor the campaign. For the December 3-5 elections, the Center mounted a 50-person delegation, and 12 observers remained for extended monitoring of the vote tabulation process. Taken as a whole, the 1999 electoral process demonstrated a number of positive signs, including bipartisan consensus on a new electoral law, a successful registration exercise supported by both parties, and a generally satisfactory campaign period. In addition, the voting process was peaceful and orderly, with high turnout and a tightly contested race between two strong candidates. Unfortunately, technical problems and a lack of transparency in the final tabulation of results undermined the credibility of the process, fueling political suspicions and doubts about the final results, which showed incumbent President Joaquim Chissano the winner with over 52% of the vote. The opposition party, Renamo, rejected the results and filed a complaint with the Supreme Court, which eventually ruled against Renamo and validated the results. Although Carter Center observers made repeated requests, they were not provided sufficient access to verify the final tabulation nor to analyze thoroughly the subsequent review. These problems prevented the Center from concluding with an entirely positive assessment of the election process. There are clear indications that all sides recognize that the 1999 elections were flawed in some important respects, and that electoral reforms are necessary to increase trust and confidence in future elections. (Author abstract, modified)