FRELIMO, one of Southern Africa’s longest-standing revolutionary parties, is poised to retain power after Mozambique’s general elections on October 9th, according to poll predictions. FRELIMO, which joins the ranks of other ruling revolutionary parties like Zimbabwe’s ZANU PF, Namibia’s SWAPO, Botswana’s BDP, Angola’s MPLA, and Tanzania’s Chama Cha Mapinduzi, is expected to maintain its majority despite facing competition from its historic rival, RENAMO.

FRELIMO’s presidential candidate, Daniel Chapo, will face off against Ossufo Momade, RENAMO’s representative, in the upcoming elections. The ruling party has been rallying support both within Mozambique and from abroad, including a recent campaign event in Chegutu, Zimbabwe, where they were joined by members of ZANU PF.

Earlier this year, Chapo met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to strengthen ties between the two parties.

It is estimated that over 33,000 Mozambican voters are registered in Zimbabwe, with an additional 6,000 in Zambia, according to BBC News. Other countries, including Eswatini, South Africa, Germany, Portugal, Kenya, and Tanzania, will also see Mozambican citizens casting their votes on October 9th.

Political analysts believe that key issues such as unemployment and security will play a decisive role in the election outcome.