The National Electoral Commission (CNE) in Mozambique has announced its inability to fully fund the country’s forthcoming elections scheduled for October 15, 2019.

Making the announcement on Thursday, the commission disclosed that it currently has 44 percent of the funds necessary for the elections.

The Chairman of the Commission, Abdul Carimo, revealed that the commission estimated a budget of $34 million, to conduct an election successfully. However, only $15million has been raised so far as they hope to gather the remaining $19 million needed to complete the budget.

While the electoral body has maintained its commitment to making sure that the elections are free and fair, the commission currently seeks support from local and international donors willing to make financial contributions to enable the Commission stick to its election calendar.

“We are assuring everyone that the agency would ensure that the polls are transparent,” said Carimo.

President Felipe Nyusi, based on his eligibility to run for more than one term, is set to go up against Ossufo Momade, leader of the main opposition party, Renamo.

Nyusi’s Frelimo party has led the country since its independence from Portugal in 1975. However, the party has had to contend with opposing parties like Momade’s Renamo party, which fought a 16-year-long guerrilla war against the ruling party up until 1992.

A truce with the government was announced in 2016 by the Renamo leader at the time, Alfonso Dhlakama, where an agreement on constitutional reforms that would decentralise power was signed by both parties.

It has been alleged that Momade, who took over the reins of leadership from Dhlakama after his passing in May last year, has tried to communicate with President Nyusi to find out ways a formal peace accord between Remano and Frelimo can be signed and adhered to.

Presidential, legislative and provincial elections are scheduled to take place on October 15, 2019.