Mozambique elections: Poll stations in terror-hit areas could be moved

Some polling stations in northern Mozambique could be relocated ahead of Tuesday's general election due to an ongoing military operation against Islamist militants.

The northern Cabo Delgado province, a hub for mining and petroleum exploration, has witnessed sporadic attacks carried out by a militant group locally known as al-Shabab, it has no known links to the Somali jihadist group of the same name.

The attacks have forced villagers to flee their homes and election officials are now considering relocating the polling stations as well.

On Sunday President Filipe Nyusi told a campaign rally that a major military offensive to destroy the terror group is under way in parts of the province.

He spoke in the district of Mocimboa da Praia, one of the areas worst hit by the insurgency.

The situation in the region is considered complex and the electoral body, Secretariat for Electoral Administration, will have to wait for approval from security bodies before moving the polling stations.

President Nyusi has also condemned a recent claim by the main opposition party, Renamo, that the ruling “Frelimo brought al-Shabab to Cabo Delgado”.