Elections: Head of State Calls for Responsible Attitude During Campaign, Voting

Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, appealed citizens, political parties and coalitions in Luanda, to keep a responsible attitude during the electoral campaign and voting, observing the law and established order.

José Eudardo dos Santos, addressed a message to the Nation by the occasion of the start of the electoral campaign for the legislative elections, August 5, 2008.
The Angolan Head of State emphasize the need for the campaign and the voting to go in an responsible and peaceful environment.

"Angola can set an example to our continent and the world in general, holding democratic, free and transparent elections,” said the president, who reiterated the importance of responsibility of all parties involved in the process.

"We will frustrate the expectations of those that, without any ground, are saying we might experience an environment of insecurity” stressed the president, adding that the forces of public order are taking the necessary measures to guarantee tranquility and security during the whole electoral process.

According to the Head of State, there are no reasons for pessimistic and defeatist thoughts as, he added, "we are a peaceful, freedom loving people who is conscious that the great conquests in the political, economic and social sectors can only be achieved in peace, stability and social concord.”

According to the President of the Republic, the electoral campaign should not go under a climate of violence. “In this competition there are no enemies, there are political opponents only, with different political programes that will seek to attract the highest number of votes to conquer the power and exert it with legitimacy,” he stressed.

In his message addressed to the Nation, President dos Santos considered that each party must only use the “weapon of ideas” to convince the electorate, while the voting citizens will have their vote as a “weapon” to choose whoever they want, within the framework of the laws in force in the country.

In this period of electoral campaign, the Head of State said, everyone must continue to maintain tranquility and an attitude of respect and tolerance concerning differences of opinions. A serene and peaceful environment contributes for the success of elections and guarantees that each voter makes his choice in a responsible way.

"Free, fair and competitive elections demand that all forms of intimidation, provocation, violation of rights and political destabilization be rejected,” José Eduardo dos Santos said.

The President also expressed the wish that the electoral campaign go with respect, honesty and freedom so “we can contribute for the true clarification of the citizens, for national unity and social cohesion.

"If the political parties respect the legal norms in force, during their electoral activity, we will all win and contribute for the construction of our dreams. I am sure that this is how Angola can win,” stated the president.

During the electoral campaign starting August 5th, the political parties and coalition will be entitled to a radio and TV broadcasting time to air their messages and put forward their programmes and respective electoral manifestos.

Regarding this, the president of the Republic considered that the voters will have enough time to analyze the programmes and projects presented to them and, in a free and conscious manner, make the choice that meet their ideas, aspirations and political convictions.

President José Eduardo dos Santos recalled that on September 5th, starting from 7:00 am, there will be 12,400 voting stations throughout the country, with each having up to as many as four booths, so all duly registered Angolans can enjoy their civic right to vote in an organized, calm and peaceful way.

"This moment represents an unprecedented step towards the normalization of the country’s political and institutional life and the improvement of the lawful and democratic State,” he asserted, stating that now on, legislative elections will be held regularly, with periodical renewal every four years, as established by the Constitution.

"We have fought a lot to reach this point and all of us, with no exception, have accepted sacrifices in favor of the stability of the country and its territorial integrity,” added the head of State, recalling that from the first general elections of 1992, the country moved progressively towards political normality, at times slower and some times faster, overcoming all hindrances.

"We have secured the regular functioning of the State institutions, the performance of the organs of the Government, the satisfaction of the collective needs and the protection, respect and dignity of the citizens,” recalled the president, before adding that the achievement of peace, in 2002, opened new prospects for Angola.

"It permitted the reunification of the large Angolan family and the holding of the process of pacification and national reconciliation of which we are all proud today,” he said, pointing that the elections are the culmination of a long process and permit the full affirmation of citizenship of all Angolans in voting age.

Press Office
Embassy of Angola to the USA
 Washington, DC