Mozambique’s governing Frelimo party has chosen a regional governor, Daniel Chapo, as its new leader – making him the clear frontrunner to take over from President Filipe Nyusi later this year.
Mr Chapo’s nomination follows intense debates within the party over the weekend, which saw his closest rival drop out from the race.
The selection of the former political science lecturer and radio presenter comes as a surprise as he has never served in the cabinet before.
The constitution prevents President Nyusi a third term when elections are held on 9 October.
Frelimo has never lost elections since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975.