In his interview with the BBC, Chapo said he wanted to “govern in an inclusive way”, and to introduce reforms to address concerns about the electoral law, human rights and freedom of expression.

He said talks were currently taking place with opposition parties represented in the new parliament, and they would later be widened to include “all segments of society”.

Chapo added that wanted to form a government that was “open to all Mozambicans”, but he wanted to stress that “the profile of the people is very important”.

Asked whether he believed Mondlane qualified to serve in government, Chapo replied: “It will depend… because there is a team that is right now considering that, on the profile of the people, their competencies, their meritocracy, the patriotism – all these pre-requisites that I’m alluding to.

“If the team reaches the conclusion that these people have the right profile, they will be part of the government. Those who do not have that profile, will not take part.”

Aged 47, Chapo was chosen by Frelimo, which has been in power since independence 49 years ago, as its candidate to rally young voters affected by high unemployment, and fed up with the party’s decades-long rule.

He told the BBC that he wanted both local and foreign investment to increase in Mozambique in order to make the economy “more dynamic”.

This would help create jobs for young people so that they could “build their homes, establish their families and stabilize their lives”.

Mondlane, 50, was seen to have considerable support among young people after he rallied them during the election campaign with the slogan “Save Mozambique – this country is ours”.

He contested the poll as an independent after breaking away from the main opposition Renamo party.

A small party that backed his candidacy won a few parliamentary seats in the election.