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Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with
independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on
South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the
country's development until the mid 1990s. The ruling Front for the
Liberation of Mozambique (Frelimo) party formally abandoned Marxism in
1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty
elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement
between Frelimo and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo) forces
ended the fighting in 1992. In December 2004, Mozambique underwent a
delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in
office. His elected successor, Armando Emilio GUEBUZA, promised to
continue the sound economic policies that have encouraged foreign
investment. President GUEBUZA was reelected to a second term in October
2009. However, the elections were flawed by voter fraud, questionable
disqualification of candidates, and Frelimo use of government resources
during the campaign. As a result, Freedom House removed Mozambique from
its list of electoral democracies. Source: CIA
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