Moz campaign starts

MAPUTO – Campaigning began yesterday for Mozambique’s December polls amid growing concern over a vow by electoral officials to limit the role of foreign observers in a country long seen as a model student of democracy.

Convoys of flag-draped cars cruised the streets of the capital Maputo, tooting their horns and exhorting people to back their candidates in the December 1-2 polls. The election will select a successor to President Joaquim Chissano, stepping down after 18 years at the helm of the southern African country which has seen his formerly Marxist government champion democratic and free market reforms.Chissano, 68, rose to power in 1986 when liberation hero and founding President Samora Machel was assassinated.His chosen successor within the ruling Frelimo (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) is wealthy businessman Armando Guebuza who will face opposition challenger Afonso Dhlakama of the former guerrilla Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo).Dhlakama has complained the last elections in 1999, in which he lost to Chissano, was riddled with irregularities.- Nampa-ReutersThe election will select a successor to President Joaquim Chissano, stepping down after 18 years at the helm of the southern African country which has seen his formerly Marxist government champion democratic and free market reforms.Chissano, 68, rose to power in 1986 when liberation hero and founding President Samora Machel was assassinated.His chosen successor within the ruling Frelimo (Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) is wealthy businessman Armando Guebuza who will face opposition challenger Afonso Dhlakama of the former guerrilla Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo).Dhlakama has complained the last elections in 1999, in which he lost to Chissano, was riddled with irregularities.- Nampa-Reuters