The meetings came days after clashes in Sofala province between Renamo soldiers and government forces that left seven people dead.

Saimon Macuana, head of the Renamo delegation, said in Maputo: “We have to find (an electoral) law that allows all a level playing field,” and added that the current legislation “does not benefit all political forces”.

Macuana said discussions also focused on relieving tension between Renamo — the former rebel group that fought Frelimo in Mozambique’s civil war — and the government in the aftermath of the clashes, and amid threats of fresh violence.

Holed