The lawyer for Mozambique’s leading opposition candidate, Venancio Mondlane, who ran in the October 9 presidential elections, was shot dead in Maputo on Saturday.
Elvino Dias was killed alongside another candidate, Paulo Guambe, from the Podemos party supporting Mondlane.
Witnesses reported that two gunmen opened fire on their stationary car in the capital’s center.
Podemos leader Albino Forquilha confirmed the killings to AFP, while the national lawyers’ association expressed “deep shock” at Dias’s death.
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The civil society group Mais Integridade condemned the “repugnant” murders as an “act of intimidation” that threatens democracy.
Police announced that an investigation has begun but have not yet confirmed the identities of the deceased.
The European Union condemned the killings and called for a thorough and transparent investigation to bring those responsible to justice, stating, “In a democracy, there is no place for politically motivated killings.”
Mozambique is awaiting official nationwide election results, expected to be published on October 24.
Mondlane, who is challenging the Frelimo party, which has ruled since the country’s independence 49 years ago, claimed victory shortly after polling day and has alleged electoral fraud as Frelimo asserts it is leading in the ballot counts.
He has called for demonstrations on Monday.
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