Hope for a fresh start

MOZAMBIQUE: WRITER PONDERS OUTCOME OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

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Mozambique's internationally acclaimed writer and poet Mia Couto hopes for a "fresh start" for his country, which heads to the polls today, but doubts the democracy is ready for change.

His dream, he said from the capital Maputo, would be for the country of more than 33 million people to elect leaders who set an "example" by "dividing" and "sharing" resources.

But there "are no big options to choose from" among the four main candidates running for presidency, said the 69-year-old, born to Portuguese parents.

The opposition argues it is their turn to take the helm, but are offering more of the same "system" and "ethical values", said the marine biologist and former journalist, who used to support the ruling socialist Mozambique Liberation Front, Frelimo.