By Manuel Mucari and Thando Hlophe MAPUTO (Reuters) -Daniel Chapo of Mozambique's long-ruling Frelimo party was sworn in as president on Wednesday at a sparsely attended ceremony, as the death toll from months of protests against his disputed election victory climbed.

MOZAMBIQUE's Daniel Chapo is set to be sworn in today as the fifth President of the former Portuguese colony, which gained its independence on June 25, 1975.

Daniel Chapo was sworn in as Mozambique's president amid violent protests over his disputed election victory. The opposition claims vote-rigging, and protests have taken a deadly toll. Chapo promised governmental reform and prioritization of health and education.

Mozambique's new President Daniel Chapo has been sworn in at a low-key ceremony in the capital, Maputo, that was marred by an opposition boycott following heavily disputed elections. Most businesses in Maputo were shut and the streets largely deserted after defeated presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane called for a national strike in protest.

Mozambique's new president Daniel Chapo took the oath of office Wednesday in front of a heavily guarded audience of dignitaries in the capital Maputo following weeks of violent demonstrations over

Mozambique kicked off an inauguration ceremony Wednesday where President-elect Daniel Chapo will be sworn into office after weeks of deadly political unrest, but the main opposition leader has vowed to "paralyse" the country with fresh protests against the fiercely disputed election result.