Mozambique’s president-elect, Daniel Chapo, is set to be sworn in on Wednesday, more than three months after a contested election that has plunged the country into political turmoil.

The election’s disputed outcome has fueled months of protests, some peaceful and others marred by violence, resulting in chaos, deaths, and widespread destruction.

Chapo, 48, secured 65% of the vote in a poll widely criticized as fraudulent by opposition leaders, electoral observers, and a large segment of the public.

His rival, Venâncio Mondlane, has returned from self-imposed exile to lead renewed calls for protests against what he terms the “thieves of the people.”

The inauguration will proceed without Mozambique’s two major opposition parties, Renamo and MDM, both of which have announced a boycott of the event, refusing to recognize Chapo as the legitimate winner.

Mondlane, a vocal critic of the election process, has called on Mozambicans to take to the streets during the ceremony.

While some Mozambicans are optimistic about Chapo’s potential to lead, many question the legitimacy of his presidency.

Civil society activist Mirna Chitsungo, who has worked closely with Chapo, expressed mixed feelings.

“Chapo is someone I admire greatly… However, he is assuming an illegitimate power. This stems from a fraudulent electoral process,” Chitsungo told reporters

Chapo faces significant challenges, including uniting a polarized nation, addressing public grievances, and delivering on campaign promises of economic recovery and anti-corruption reforms.

Analysts describe Mozambique as being run by entrenched cartels controlling sectors such as medicine, sugar, and even kidnappings.

Investigative journalist Luis Nhanchote stated the need for a strong team to dismantle these powerful groups.

“Chapo will face many enemies… He must calm down Mozambicans and restore peace in the country,” Nhanchote said.

Chapo, who holds degrees in law and development management, brings a different background to the presidency as the first leader born after Mozambique’s independence war.

He has pledged national reconciliation, electoral reform, and decentralization of power.

One of Chapo’s first tests will be managing relations with Mondlane, who has emerged as a prominent voice for those disillusioned with the election process. Despite the tension, Chitsungo believes dialogue is possible.

“Chapo is a figure of dialogue and consensus. I believe he could meet at least 50% of Mondlane’s demands,” she said.

Chapo is also under pressure to address allegations of human rights abuses during the post-election protests.

Analysts suggest sacking controversial Police Chief Bernardino Rafael and appointing a new attorney general committed to upholding legal and international standards.

Chapo’s rise represents a generational shift in Mozambique’s leadership, breaking from predecessors who were independence war veterans.

Nhanchote argues that to leave a lasting legacy, Chapo must challenge the entrenched interests of past leaders.

“He is part of the new generation… If he wants to make a real mark on history, he has to challenge those past icons,” Nhanchote said.

Chapo’s ability to navigate these challenges will determine whether he can unite a fractured nation and bring stability to Mozambique, or if his presidency will be defined by the same turmoil that has marked his path to power.