Chimoio — Mozambican President Armando Guebuza began a tour of the central province of Manica on Monday, the final stage in his campaign for re-election, which has taken him across all 11 provinces.

In Nhampassa and Chuala-Honde, rural areas in Barue district, Guebuza received enthusiastic pledges of support, particularly because of the Local Initiative Investment Budget (OIIL), that his government has been implementing since 2006.

This transfer of funds from central to local level started out as a lump sum of seven million meticais (about 254,000 US dollars, at current exchange rates) for each of the 128 districts. It is still commonly referred to as "the seven million meticais", even though the sums have subsequently increased and are no longer uniform across all districts.

The money takes the form of loans to small businesses or individuals who present viable projects for boosting food production and creating jobs.

Guebuza's main rival, Afonso Dhlakama, leader of the former rebel movement Renamo, has promised that, if elected, he will abolish the OIIL. This pledge to take money away from the districts looks like a guaranteed vote loser.

The figures from Manica show that between 2006 and the present the OIIL financed 2,340 small projects, creating over 6,600 jobs. The projects are run by 716 associations and 1,507 individuals. The authorities claim they have directly benefited over 114,000 people.

The OIIL has allowed the acquisition in Manica of eight tractors, 53 irrigation pumps, and 914 head of cattle.

Guebuza wrapped up the day's campaigning with a rally in the provincial capital, Chimoio. Here he asked for a minute's silence in memory of the country's first President, Samora Machel, who died in a plane crash, generally blamed on the apartheid military, 23 years ago, on 19 October 1986.

Guebuza admitted that, despite significant progress, "what has been done in the last five years still does not cover all Mozambicans. We have the duty to continue working to improve the lives of all."

"We haven't yet reached where we want to go", he said. "If you vote for me and for Frelimo, our election manifesto will be implemented and will change still further the lives of Mozambicans".

He pledged to continue the OIIL, and his regular tours of the provinces and districts which "bring the presidency closer to the public". In a second term, he added, he would continue the fight against corruption, apathy, and the abuse of power, and promote the self-esteem of Mozambicans".

"I have the good luck to lead an exceptional people", said Guebuza. "That's why in the past five years we have done what the people have witnessed. But we want to do more"