Mozambican Police Clash with Opposition Protesters After Disputed Election

MAPUTO, Nov 7 (Reuters) – Mozambican police fired tear gas at hundreds of opposition supporters gathering in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday for what has become the largest demonstration yet against last month’s disputed election. The protest follows widespread allegations of electoral fraud and misconduct in the October 9 vote, which extended the Frelimo party’s five-decade hold on power.

Human rights groups have reported that at least 18 people have been killed in the police crackdown on protests since the election. The demonstrations have been fueled by opposition parties, civil society organizations, and Western observers, all of whom claim the election was rigged and that the results were manipulated to favor the ruling party.