MAPUTO, Mozambique — Mozambique has deployed soldiers to the streets to help maintain order after weeks of protests against the ruling party, accused of rigging last month’s elections to prolong its 49 years in power.

Mozambique Armed Forces spokesman General Omar Saranga made the announcement at a press conference on Thursday evening, saying the army would support the police in maintaining order. Soldiers had already been deployed when he made the announcement, Saranga said.

The southern African country of 34 million people is under tension, with the presidential palace under heavy surveillance and security forces constantly patrolling the streets. Many people are locking themselves in their homes.

“In times like this, with protests taking place in some areas, our role also extends to supporting security forces in maintaining public order and peace,” Saranga said.

Thousands of protesters set fires and barricaded roads in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday in the largest demonstration since the October 9 elections. Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets.

Ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo was declared the winner of the presidential election two weeks ago, confirming the left-wing party’s dominance of Mozambican politics since its independence from Portugal in 1975.

Opposition parties accused Frelimo of ballot stuffing and other electoral fraud, while international observers said the vote had been problematic and had not been free and fair. Frelimo has often been accused of rigging national and local elections to retain power. The Constitutional Council has not yet validated the results of the vote, which it must do for them to be recognized.

Current president Filipe Nyusi of Frelimo resigns after serving the two terms authorized by the constitution.

Protests began almost immediately after the election, sparking a police crackdown. Police have been accused by rights groups of firing live ammunition into peaceful protests and at least 20 people have been killed by security forces, according to international groups. Mozambican rights groups say the death toll is much higher.

Anger also escalated after two opposition figures – a lawyer and a party spokesperson – were killed by unidentified gunmen, who ambushed them in their car and fired at least 25 bullets, according to their party.

The Southern African Development Community has called a special summit for the end of the month, at which Mozambique will be high on the agenda. Neighboring South Africa has closed its main border post with Mozambique and increased security on its side.