Before becoming the presidential candidate of the ruling Frelim party, he was a radio and television presenter, a legal notary, a university lecturer and a provincial governor before rising to the position of secretary general of Frelim.
Speaking at his recent birthday celebration, Chapo himself acknowledged that a daunting task awaits him as president.
“We must rebuild our country economically… it is easy to destroy it, but it is not easy to build it.”
National reconciliation, creating more jobs, reforming electoral laws and decentralizing power are top items on his agenda, he said.
But how successful can it be without a country behind it?
At the very least, it will mark a change from outgoing President Felipe Nyusi, whom Ms Chitsunga says many Mozambicans will be happy to see back.
“Chapo is a figure of dialogue and consensus, not someone who supports Nyusi’s violent style of governance. He has the potential to negotiate with Mundlein.
“While Chapo may not fully meet all of Mondlan’s requirements, I believe he can meet at least 50% of them,” adds Ms Chitsunga.
Mundlein – a part-time pastor and independent candidate who insists he was the real winner of the election – is reportedly staying at a hotel in the capital. It is not known what kind of security he has there, and who pays for it.
He claims that while visiting a market in Maputo last week, a vendor near him was shot dead, echoing the killing of two of his close aides in October.
As the initiator of nationwide protests against the disputed election results, he has come to be seen by many as the voice of the voiceless. However, now in the camp of the elected president they do not deal with him publicly.
Still, listening to the public’s grievances and demands, and sometimes ignoring the orders of his ruling Frelim party, will be key to Chapo’s success, analysts told the BBC.
Finding some way to constructively engage with Mondlane seems sure to provide momentum.
