Maputo — Mozambican President Armando Guebuza on Wednesday issued a statement that the next parliamentary and presidential elections will be held on 15 October 2014.

That is the date on which Mozambicans living in the country will vote. The election for Mozambicans in the diaspora will be three days earlier, on 12 October.

This is because, while election day is always a public holiday in Mozambique, in other countries it is a normal working day for Mozambican emigrants, many of whom are unable to take time off work to go an vote at their embassies or consulates.

15 October 2014 is a Wednesday, and 12 October is a Sunday. It is hoped that holding the elections in the diaspora on Sunday will greatly increase turnout.

The National Elections Commission (CNE) had proposed 15 October, and this date appears to have received the go-ahead from the Council of State, a body that advises the President of the Republic, which met on Monday.

As well as voting for a new president and parliament, on 15 October 2014 citizens will also be able to vote for members of the ten provincial assemblies.