Mozambique's election is likely to be tense, with the ruling party winning.

Mozambique will vote on Wednesday, in a highly charged general election that is likely to result in victory for the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed this Southern African nation since its founding in 1975.

Four candidates are in the running to replace President Filipe Nyusi who is leaving office after two terms. Daniel Chapo is the favourite, a 47-year-old lawyer who is a popular choice among businessmen and seen as a new face for the party.

He is up against Venancio Montdlane, an independent charismatic candidate who attracts large crowds, Ossufo Mamade, the former rebel commander, and Lutero Simango, the leader of a small party.

Hundreds of posters with Chapo's image were posted along Maputo’s palm-tree lined seaside promenade. Red Frelimo flags adorned the streets, which were flanked by skyscrapers and Portuguese colonial architecture. There was no opposition poster in sight.

Mozambique has 35 million citizens, and about half are registered voters. The Islamist insurgency that has forced thousands of people to flee from their homes in the north and stopped multi-billion dollar projects is also a factor.

"The next President must create jobs." Amandio Serio, 32, is a small-business owner in the capital's seaside.

Frelimo allowed the first elections in 1994. It has been accused since then of manipulating them, a charge it denies. Renamo, a former rebel force that has become an opposition party, is usually a distant third.

Analyst Dercio Alzema believes that Mondlane is a threat to both parties this year. However, he lacks the machine of established parties, and could struggle to gain votes in rural areas.

"This election will be different, because there are new actors... but Frelimo is likely to win," Alfazema stated.

He added that Chapo had experience in local administration but was not tainted with Frelimo's scandals of corruption.

The counting will begin after polls close, at 6 pm (1600 GMT), but it could take two weeks to get official results.

Uncertainty about the outcome could trigger protests similar to those that broke out last year after Frelimo won the municipal elections.

However, apathy can dampen their spirits.

Mussa, a 26-year old fisherman, said that the poll had made no difference to him.

"Nothing changes." Reporting by Nellie Petti and Manuel Mucari, Additional reporting by Thando Hiphe and Sisipho Skweyiya; Editing by Tim Cocks, Sandra Maler

(source: Reuters)