Moçambique independente, do monopartidário ao multipartidarismo: o papel das eleições na manutenção da democracia no país 1990-1999

Abstract

This monograph analyzes Mozambique’s political process in the post-independence period, focusing on the transition from a single-party system to multiparty politics and the role of elections in sustaining democracy in the country. The study covers the period from 1975 to 1999, beginning with the consolidation of the one-party regime led by FRELIMO, the outbreak of the civil war, and later the adoption of political reforms enshrined in the 1990 Constitution. The signing of the General Peace Agreement in 1992 paved the way for the introduction of political pluralism and the holding of the first multiparty general elections in 1994. Employing a qualitative approach based primarily on bibliographic research, the study examines elections as instruments for legitimizing political power, promoting citizen participation, and consolidating democracy. The findings indicate that, although elections have represented a significant step forward in building Mozambique’s democratic state, challenges persist regarding the transparency of the electoral process, the credibility of electoral institutions, and post-electoral conflicts. The study concludes that elections constitute a central pillar of democracy in Mozambique; however, the strengthening of democracy depends not only on the regular conduct of elections but also on the reinforcement of electoral institutions, the transparency of procedures, and the active and informed participation of citizens