Mozambique’s top court on Monday confirmed the ruling party Frelimo’s victory in an October election, which has sparked massive protests by opposition groups who say the vote was rigged.

The decision paves the way for the governing party’s candidate to take office next month, but the country is on edge because earlier protests after the election left more than 100 people dead.

Constitutional Council says Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo was victor in October poll despite widespread claims of vote-rigging

Mozambique’s Oct. 9 presidential election was won by the ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo with 65% of the vote, the country’s top electoral court ruled, slightly reducing his initially-reported support while still leaving him the clear winner.

The usual hustle and bustle that characterises the greater Maputo area on workdays and during the festive season has been replaced by silence and empty roads - a scene that has become common in this region since the popular demonstrations began on 21 October.