MAPUTO, September 15, 2008 (AFP) - Mozambique?s president Armando Emilio Guebuza was named Monday as the official candidate of the ruling Frelimo party for 2009 presidential elections, party spokesman Edson Macuacua told national television.

Guebuza won 166 of the 167 votes cast in an uncontested election process, also focused on local government elections set for November 19.

Guebuza came to power in 2004 elections, replacing Joaquim Chissano who took over in 1986 after the death of then president Samora Machel in a plane crash in South Africa.