At a press conference, the spokesman for the National Electoral Commission (CNE) estimated that votes were “a resounding success” in a climate of order and tranquility, as Angolans showed signs of civility and peaceful spirit.
So far, the Commission is not aware of any negative incident, the official replied to several journalists interested in verifying rumors on the subject.
The national counting center in Luanda has already received the first acts of voting abroad, while a similar process is taking place from the different provinces to the capital, he explained.
Still, he confirmed, it is impossible to offer preliminary results, including the percentage of turnout at the polls, nor to foresee the exact date to communicate the final data, since everything will depend on the ongoing count.
Schools in rural and intricate areas, where there is no electricity, received lighting kits in order to ensure uninterrupted work in the counting of ballots and the preparation of the corresponding reports, which must be attended by the delegates of the lists of the contending political forces to fulfill their oversight functions, he explained.
As electoral administrators, in charge of organizing and conducting the process, he replied, we are also not aware of any alleged difficulties regarding the accreditation of list delegates.
Each concurrent organization had the opportunity to appoint its representatives and with sufficient time credentials were delivered at the different levels, in accordance with requests received, he remarked.
Only the CNE has the authority to notify the official, preliminary and final results of elections, Quilundo reaffirmed in response to reporters.
Seven independent parties and a coalition, made up of five entities, intervened in the dispute; namely, the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), the Unita, the Social Renewal Party, the National Front for the Liberation of Angola, and the National Patriotic Alliance.
The Humanist Party of Angola and Nationalist for Justice in Angola, as well as the Broad Convergence for the Salvation of Angola-Electoral Coalition (Casa-Ce) group also participated.
The results of voting will determine the composition of the National Assembly (unicameral congress), as well as the occupants of the presidency and vice-presidency of the Republic, facing a five-year term.
According to the CNE, in the 2017 general elections, the turnout rate was 76.57 percent and the MPLA was victorious with 61.08 percent of the vote, followed by Unita (26.67) and House-Ce (9.44).
ef/rgh/mjm
