POLITICS-MOZAMBIQUE:
Few Women Mayors This Term
By Paola Rolletta

MAPUTO, (IPS) - Bad news for women: of the eight women running for mayor in Mozambique's municipal elections held on Nov. 19, only three won. Overall, 114 candidates ran for mayor in 43 municipalities.

The three winners -- Rita Muianga, in Xai-Xai, Gaza province, Maria Helena Langa, in Mandlakazi, also in Gaza, and Marta Romeu, in Marrupa, Niassa province -- belong to the ruling party Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo).

"It was a lovely campaign. We had loads of popular support," Muianga told IPS. She was re-elected as mayor of touristy Xai-Xai, renowned for its beaches, 220 kilometres north of Maputo.