THE INSTRUMENTALIZATION OF CUSTOMARY CHIEFS BY POLITICAL PARTIES, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE STATE IN ELECTORAL CONTEXTS IN THE DISTRICT OF HOMOÍNE (MOZAMBIQUE), 1994 – 2014

Abstract

This article delves into the complex dynamics involving the instrumentalization of customary chiefs by political parties, the government, and the state in the electoral processes of Homoíne, Mozambique. Almost unanimously Customary chiefs specifically régulos, cabos, and indunas were historically seen as administrative aides to the colonial regime, perceived by post-independence FRELIMO as representatives of a “traditional society” to be eliminated. During the civil war, these chiefs formed new political alliances, leading to intricate dynamics in post-conflict electoral processes.The article draws from four main sources: press, legislation, photographs, and oral interviews. This study does not assert that elections outcomes are directly manipulated by local leadership. Instead, it demonstrates that the partial involvement and political positioning of these chiefs have significantly influenced the party choices of their communities. This supports the argument that, for example, Regulo Machavele's party switch in 1999 was linked to RENAMO's declining influence in that area. Significant changes in the political choices and positions of leaders emerged at the turn of the century, precisely with the approval and implementation of Decree 15/2000, which reinforced the influence initiated in the 1990s on electoral results.  This phenomenon, reflected in election results, underscores the importance of a thorough analysis of the interactions between customary chiefs, institutional political actors, and local electoral dynamics.

Keywords: customary chiefs; political parties; elections.