When Mozambicans take to the polls on 15 October 2014, all eyes will be on Renamo, its leader, and the rebels who broke away from the party.
Although about 30 parties will contest the fifth democratic elections for presidential, provincial and municipal leadership, the top three contenders are traditional former rivals Frelimo and Renamo, along with newcomer Movimento Democratico de Mocambique (MDM), which broke away from Renamo.
It is encouraging that the former Renamo rebels who mounted an armed resistance against government forces in the central region have now agreed to a ceasefire. But whether Afonso Dhlakama, Renamo's presidential candidate, will maintain the newfound peace if he loses the presidential bid, remains to be seen.
This seminar will consider the impact that armed former Renamo rebels may have on the elections and the post election environment of the country. Will Dhlakama concede defeat, in case he loses the elections? Will he finally agree to disarm afterwards? And what safeguards have negotiators in the current talks put in place to guarantee the ceasefire?
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