Mozambique has sworn in its new parliament with the streets of the capital largely deserted after the opposition leader called for a strike to protest against the result of highly disputed elections.

Legislators from Mozambique’s ruling Frelimo and those of the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique (Podemos), the party that backed opposition leader Venancio Mondlane in the last elections, turned up at Parliament for the swearing-in ceremony on Monday, amid a boycott by other opposition parties.

Mozambique swore in its new parliament on Monday with the streets of the capital deserted after the opposition leader called a strike to protest the result of highly disputed elections. But the opposition leader claims he won 53 percent and that Mozambique's election institutions manipulated the results.

Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is popular with Mozambique’s youth, asserts results were rigged in favor of ruling Frelimo party that has been in power for 50 years