Election Day

Yesterday was election day in Mozambique. It was a very peaceful day. I spent the day in Kwilasya village and it was quieter than normal. Chanika, the village where I have been living, was busier than normal since it was a polling station.

I had an interesting conversation (actually I just listened to other people having the conversation) with Kwilasya’s shahe (spiritual leader) and village chief. Although they both went to Chanika earlier in the morning to cast their votes they suspected that another country actually would select the president of Mozambique.

The winning candidate has yet to be announced; however the current president is expected to be re-elected.

The following is a blog entry with photos from The Former Optimist. These photos were taken directly across the street from where I have been living. The water pump is located at the far right of the first photo.

Election day has arrived
 
In the village of Chanika 4KM north of Mand*mba, this was the scene this morning as thousands begin to take part in the national elections.
 

Local primary schools act as voting stations.
 

These women from Kwilasya village wait patiently for their turn to vote. Many will walk for several miles to find their closest polling station. The woman on right is holding her voter registration card.