AT LEAST 10 people were shot dead by police and dozens of others were injured when authorities cracked down on unrest following Mozambique’s presidential election, according to two doctors’ organisations.

More protests are planned after opposition parties condemned the announcement of a victory for Daniel Chapo of the ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique in the October 9 election.

The win extends the 49-year rule of the Frelimo party, which has held power since independence from Portugal in 1975. 

Mr Chapo is to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who is stepping down after serving the two terms allowed under the constitution.

Opposition parties claimed fraud on polling day, while observers from the European Union said there were irregularities in the vote counting.

Ten people died of gunshot wounds and another 63 were injured by gunfire in protests between October 18 and October 26, the Medical Association of Mozambique and the Mozambique Order of Doctors said in a joint statement on Wednesday. 

Order of Doctors head Gilberto Manhica said: “In most of the shootings, especially those that resulted in death, the intention of the police was to shoot to kill.”

Police spokesperson Orlando Mudumane said the situation was now “relatively calm and controlled.”

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who came second in the election, has called for a week of new protests, beginning today.