Press, Media (In)visibility and the Democratic Rhetoric

This article examines the relationship between the press, media (in)visibility, and democracy in Mozambique. It traces the historical development of press freedom, from constitutional reforms to the liberalization of media laws, which enabled the rise of independent media and new forms of cultural production. The study focuses on the coverage of the 2024 general elections by selected newspapers and independent television channels, analyzing how political discourse was framed and how public opinion was shaped. By addressing the press as an instrument of interaction, transparency, and rhetorical (in)visibility, the research highlights the ambivalent role of the media: while it contributes to the promotion of democratic ideals, it also exposes contradictions, tensions, and socio-political instabilities within contemporary Mozambican society.