/ 13 January 2000

DHLAKAMA TO SKIP CHISSANO SWEARING IN

MOZAMBIQUE opposition leader Afonso Dhlakama is refusing to attend the investiture of his rival, incumbent President Joaquim Chissano. Opposition Renamo general secretary Joao Alexandre confirmed that Dhlakama will not be present when Chissano is to be sworn into office for a new five-year term or for the inaugural session of the newly-elected parliament. Renamo appealed against the election results to the Supreme Court, and asked the court to order a recount. On 4 January, the court gave its ruling, finding against Renamo. It then validated the results, saying that the elections had been free and fair.