Daniel Chapo: Mozambique to get new president amid protests

Before becoming the presidential candidate of the ruling Frelimo party, he was a radio and television presenter, a legal notary, a university lecturer and a provincial governor before reaching the position of Frelimo secretary general.

Speaking at a recent birthday celebration, Chapo himself acknowledged the daunting challenge that awaits him as president.

“We have to economically recover our country… it is easy to destroy it, but to build it is not an easy task.”

National reconciliation, creation of new jobs, reform of the electoral law and decentralization of power are at the top of his agenda, he said.

But how successful can he be without a country behind him?

At the very least, he will mark a change from outgoing President Felipe Nyusi, whom Ms Chitsungo says many Mozambicans will be happy to see back.

“Chapo is a figure of dialogue and consensus, not one who perpetuates Nyusi’s violent style of governance. He has the potential to negotiate with Mondlane.

“Although Chapo may not fully meet all of Mondlane’s requirements, I believe he could meet at least 50% of them,” adds Ms Chitsungo.

Mondlane – a part-time pastor and independent candidate who insists he is the real winner of the election – is said to be in one of the hotels in the capital. It is not known what security protection is there, nor who pays for it.

He says that last week while visiting a market in Maputo, a seller near him was shot, which repeated the murder of two of his close associates in October.

As the mastermind behind protests across the country against the contested election result, many saw him as the voice of the voiceless. However, currently the president-elect’s camp is not publicly engaging with him.

Despite this, listening to the public’s grievances and demands, and sometimes ignoring the orders of his ruling Frelimo party, will be key to Chapo’s success, analysts told the BBC.

Finding a way to engage constructively with Mondlane would certainly provide a boost, it seems.