Mozambique's ruling party, Frelimo, has won the country's divisive, violence-marred election, extending its 49-year grip on power in the southern African nation, according to official results.
Daniel Chapo, Frelimo's relatively unknown presidential candidate, seen as an agent of change, will replace Filipe Nyusi, who has served two terms.
At 47, Chapo, who received 71 percent of the vote, will be the first president born after independence in 1975. His closest challenger, Venâncio Mondlane got 20 percent.
Following the announcement of the result, there have been violent protests in several towns and a number of people have been killed. There is also heavy police presence in some areas.
The election has been marred by allegations of rigging and the killing of opposition supporters, prompting protests across the country.
The election had been seen as a turning-point for the resource-rich country which is wracked by economic problems, corruption, and poverty.
Mondlane had called for a national strike on Thursday in protest at the alleged rigging.
He said that the protests would honor his lawyer and a party official who were shot dead last week in what he described as politically motivated killings.
On Monday, he organized nationwide demonstrations, which were dispersed by police firing live rounds and tear gas.
The election has also been criticized by European Union election observers, who said some results may have been doctored.
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