National Dialogue: Citizens Demand Transparency and Results at the Polls

On the front lines of daily life, drivers, motorcyclists, and shopkeepers share their main concerns and demands for a more credible electoral process.

In a continuous effort to listen to the population, the Decide Platform team continues with the community listening sessions of the Inclusive National Dialogue, which takes place in all three regions of the country. The objective is clear: to bring the voice of the streets to the center of the political debate. And that voice demands, above all, seriousness and concrete changes.

At the Manga level crossing, drivers and conductors unanimously express weariness with electoral processes that "lead nowhere." While praising the initiative of dialogue, they demand action, not just words. Their proposals are specific:

Implementation of electronic elections, seen as a way to reduce conflict and vote theft;

Results will be released within a maximum of 48 hours, a stark contrast to the current 15 days, to ensure transparency;

Lowering the minimum age for candidacy for President of the Republic;

Exemption of teachers from voting tables, suggesting a reassessment of their role in the process.

The motorcyclists, on the other hand, focused their appeal on youth policies. The demand for better job opportunities was a priority, emphasizing the need to invest in the future of new generations. At the same time, they called for ongoing dialogue between political leaders, considering it fundamental to preventing post-election violence.

In the Munhava Markets (Central and Matxipisse), the watchword among vendors was transparency. However, their experiences raise serious concerns about the integrity of the process. Reports indicate:

The actions of some agents of the Police of the Republic of Mozambique (PRM), accused of practices such as the improper transport of ballot boxes and remaining inside polling stations, undermine confidence in the system.

The recurring power cuts by EDM during the vote count are a phenomenon viewed with suspicion and identified as a powerful source of tension and distrust.

 This round of wiretaps demonstrates that, regardless of profession or location, the desire for an honest, transparent, and effective electoral process is a common cause. The challenge for politicians is to ensure that this dialogue translates into tangible results, responding to the popular clamor for credibility and peace.