AFRICA (MAPUTO) – Mozambican police fired tear gas at thousands of protesters in the capital Maputo on Thursday during the biggest demonstration yet against the long-ruling Frelimo party, which was declared the winner of a disputed election last month.

Anger has mounted since election authorities said Frelimo had won the Oct. 9 vote, extending its 49-year rule. Human rights groups say at least 18 people have been killed in the police crackdown on protests since then. The election was hotly contested, with many young people supporting independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, who says the vote was rigged and encouraged demonstrations.

Protesters chanted “Power to the people” and “Frelimo must fall” and some blockaded streets with burning tyres and held homemade signs supporting Mondlane.

“This is it. If we don’t stand up now, nothing will change,” said Julia Macamo, 55, a street vendor and mother of six who was still shaken by the tear gas she inhaled while protesting in the Maxaquene neighbourhood. “It’s time to see the back of Frelimo.” (Reuters)…[+]