Mozambicans vote in municipal elections amid tension between government and opposition group

MAPUTO, Mozambique – Mozambicans are voting in municipals elections amid tension and sporadic violence between the government and the main opposition group, which says it is boycotting the election.

State radio said voting was proceeding peacefully on Wednesday, a day after the opposition Renamo group said it had no intention of disrupting the vote.

President Armando Guebuza said authorities were providing security at polling stations in Sofala province, where there have been clashes between security forces and Renamo gunmen.

Some 53 municipalities are electing town presidents and assemblies.

Renamo objects to the current electoral law, saying it is biased in favor of the ruling Frelimo party. The government wants Renamo fighters to disarm.

The two sides fought a civil war after independence from Portugal in 1975; a peace deal was signed in 1992.