Daniel Chapo will succeed President Filipe Nyusi in January to become Mozambique's next president.

Mozambique's National Electoral Commission (CNE) on Thursday announced 47-year-old Chapo, from the ruling Frelimo party, won the country's presidential election.

Chapo was relatively unknown and had little experience in national politics before his surprise pick as the candidate for the left-wing party, which has held power in the southern African country since independence from Portugal in 1975.

However, he has successfully led Frelimo to electoral victory, extending its rule to over five decades.

His election, however, is facing contestation from the opposition, which is alleging fraud.

Chapo won 70.67% of the vote compared to 20.32% for his main opponent, independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, who is popular among the country's discontented youth. Opposition party Renamo's candidate Ossufo Momade came third with 5.81%.

Mondlane, 50, who is backed by the Podemos party claimed that he won the vote, alleging electoral fraud and manipulation in favour of Frelimo.

"We reject outright, categorically and absolutely the results presented," Mondlane said........

© Deutsche Welle