MAPUTO, Oct 9, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Around 17 million Mozambicans will be called to vote for a new president on Wednesday, with incumbent Filipe Nyusi, 65, stepping down after his two terms allowed by the constitution.

The ruling Frelimo party has held power in the southeastern African country since it gained its independence from Portugal in 1975, and its candidate, Daniel Chapo, is widely expected to win the race against three other runners.

- Daniel Chapo, unknown favourite -

At 47 years old, Chapo was a relatively unknown provincial governor until he was named the Frelimo candidate in May, a surprise announcement after the party could not reach a consensus.

With limited experience in politics or government, he is expected to become Mozambique's first president born after independence and the first not to have served as a Frelimo fighter.

A balding former political science lecturer, Chapo has a law degree and has worked as a radio presenter. He was appointed governor of the southern province of Inhambane in 2016.

- Venancio Mondlane, ambitious breakaway -

The dapper and ambitious politician became known during protests against alleged irregularities in the 2019 general elections, when Frelimo was declared to have swept 73 percent of the votes.

A forestry engineer and MP for Maputo from the main opposition party Renamo from 2015, Mondlane ran in the capital's mayoral race in 2023 but was defeated, claiming fraud afterwards.

The 50-year-old quit Renamo in June in a leadership struggle and joined forces with the smaller Optimistic Party for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos).

His charisma and fiery speeches have roused enthusiasm among young voters, leading analysts to believe he may have a chance of overshadowing Renamo.

- Ossufo Momade, opposition veteran -

Momade, 63, has headed Renamo since 2019, the year he signed an accord with Frelimo to end a new outbreak of violence following the failure of a first peace deal between the Cold War foes in 1992.

He entered the civil war as a 17-year-old soldier and rose to become one of US-backed Renamo's top military leaders in the war against the Soviet-backed Frelimo.

After Renamo transitioned from a rebel group to a conservative political party, he was elected as MP in 1999, a post he still holds.

When Frelimo swept municipal elections in October last year, Momade claimed fraud and called for demonstrations.

- Lutero Simango, centre-right -

Simango, 64, has been president of the centre-right Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) since 2021 when he took over from his influential late brother Daviz Simango.

The MDM was formed in 2009 out of a split with Renamo.

Simango has led a campaign focused on the economy and access to healthcare. He is an outspoken critic of Frelimo, whose leaders he describes as "thieves dressed in red", the party's colour.