The Commonwealth Observer Group’s (COG) final report on the 2024 Mozambique general elections has highlighted the need for electoral reforms to strengthen the country's democratic institutions.
Released on 30 September 2025, the report of the 12-member COG, led by former Prime Minister Kenny Anthony of Saint Lucia, lauds the people of Mozambique for peacefully exercising their democratic right, while noting some security challenges, especially in the north of the country.
The report commends the efforts of the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) to promote voter awareness and civic education. However, the group recommends that STAE intensify its efforts to educate voters on the electoral process as well as on the importance of peaceful and transparent elections.
The group highlights several concerns that undermined the overall credibility, transparency, and inclusivity of the elections. One key issue was the perceived lack of independence of the National Electoral Commission (CNE) and STAE.
This lack of trust in the electoral management bodies, the report notes, was further exacerbated by the complexity of the electoral dispute resolution process. The process not only hindered access to justice for those dissatisfied with electoral outcomes but also eroded trust in the electoral system.
To address this, the report recommends a review and simplification of relevant laws to facilitate improved access to electoral justice.
The report also notes the absence of disaggregated data on internally displaced persons (IDPs), recommending that the CNE collect and maintain that data to better understand their needs.
The report recommends that Mozambique consider the adoption of domestic mechanisms to address the identified issues, which it notes caused tensions throughout the 2024 electoral process.
Releasing the report, the COG Chairperson, Dr Anthony Kenny, said:
"The Commonwealth Observer Group's report on Mozambique's 2024 general elections highlights the need for continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections.
“I urge the Mozambican authorities to carefully consider the report's recommendations and work towards implementing them, to ensure that future elections reflect the will of the people and consolidate the country's democratic gains."
The final COG report has been officially conveyed to the government of Mozambique, political parties, and all other relevant stakeholders.
Media contact
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Charmaine Wright Head of Media Relations, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
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