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Ahead of becoming the ruling Frelimo party’s presidential candidate he had been a radio and television host, a legal notary, university lecturer and provincial governor before rising to the post of general secretary in Frelimo.
Speaking at his recent birthday celebrations, Chapo himself acknowledged the daunting challenge awaiting him as president.
“We must recover our country economically… it’s easy to destroy, but building is not an easy task.”
National reconciliation, creating more jobs, reforming electoral law and decentralising power are top of his agenda, he said.
But how successful can he be without the country behind him?
At the very least he will mark a change from outgoing President Felipe Nyusi, whom Ms Chitsungo says many Mozambicans will be happy to see the back of.
“Chapo is a figure of dialogue and consensus, not one to perpetuate Nyusi’s violent governance style. He has the potential to negotiate with Mondlane.
“While Chapo may not fully satisfy all of Mondlane’s demands, I believe he could meet at least 50% of them,” adds Ms Chitsungo.
Mondlane – a part-time pastor and independent candidate who insists he was the true winner of the polls – is reported to be sheltering in one of the capital city’s hotels. It is not known what security protection he has there, nor who is paying for it.
He alleges that last week while touring a market in Maputo a vendor in his vicinity was shot, echoing the murder of two of his close aides in October.
As the mastermind of nationwide protests against the disputed election result, he has come to be seen by many as a voice for the voiceless. Yet, at present, the president-elect’s camp is not engaging him publicly.
Nonetheless, listening to the public’s grievances and demands, and sometimes ignoring the commands of his ruling Frelimo party, will be key to Chapo’s success, analysts have told the BBC.
Finding some way of engaging constructively with Mondlane would undoubtedly provide a boost, it seems.
