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Mozambicans Head to Polls Tuesday Amid Fears of Violence

Amancio Vilanculos

   PEMBA, MOZAMBIQUE - Mozambicans will choose their next president at the
   polls Tuesday after a 45-day election campaign marred by violence.

   Voters will decide whether to support Filipe Nyusi, candidate for
   Frelimo, the ruling party that has held power since Mozambique gained
   independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has been widely
   criticized for its alleged role in numerous corruption scandals,
   including the $2 billion "hidden debts" scandal that has created an
   economic crisis in the southern African country.

   Nyusi faces three challengers.

   The main opposition candidate is Ossufo Momade, leader of the Renamo
   party, running on a platform of fighting corruption. The two others are
   Daviz Simango, of the Democratic Movement of Mozambique, and Mário
   Albino, a political newcomer.

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