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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Electoral System and Conflict in Mozambique
Author:Brito, Luís deISNI
Year:2003
Periodical:Journal of African Elections
Volume:2
Issue:2
Period:October
Pages:67-85
Language:English
Geographic term:Mozambique
Subjects:election law
electoral systems
Politics and Government
Abstract:Since the General Peace Accord in 1992, Mozambique has experienced two general elections (1994 and 1999) and a municipal election (1998). The conflict situations that characterized these multiparty elections suggest a lack of trust between the major political forces and the absence of a policy of inclusion of the opposition in the government system and institutions. Although these problems cannot be attributed directly to the electoral system in force, it is clear that the system has not facilitated their resolution and, in fact, contributes to exacerbating them. The Mozambican electoral system does not play an active role in promoting political stability. It does not satisfactorily solve the problem of representation of the electorate. The fact that the candidates in the legislative elections are chosen on the basis of party lists weakens the political legitimacy of elected representatives and their link with voters. Another serious issue relates to the independence of the bodies controlling the electoral process, in particular the National Electoral Commission (NEC). General recommendations which could serve as a reference for an eventual revision of the current Mozambican electoral system must be based on acceptance by the main actors and take into account the country's political and social context, promote open public debate and maximize the influence of the voters while ensuring the continued existence of relatively strong and stable political parties. Bibliogr., notes. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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