The Mozambican president, Joaquim Chissano, has told his party he does not intend to run for a third term.

Mr Chissano told his ruling party's central committee his decision was taken out of respect for the democratic process.

His statement comes amid a spate of possible third term bids which has led to political crises in several African countries.

Opposition leaders in Mozambique said the move could be a ploy by Mr Chissano to provoke calls for him to stand for re-election in 2004.

In the last elections, the governing party called on Mr Chissano to stand after he announced he would not take part in the poll.

A party spokesman, Bernado Chirinda, said they could call on Mr Chissano to stand again, if a credible successor is not found.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service