BRIEF: First Angolan election in sixteen years flawed, possibly in violation of election laws

LUANDA, Angola  –  European union observers in Luanda for the first Angolan elections in sixteen years called the process a “disaster of poor planning.” The war-torn country, where most still live in poverty, has not held elections since 1992, when the election was contested, leading to a resurgence of civil war in the country. This wave of elections, for the Angolan parliament, has been relatively peaceful. However, in the capital city of Luanda voting was a “disaster” following “woeful organization.” Problems included a lack of ballots and the ink used to mark voters fingers to avoid voting twice. Also, many polling stations opened late due to polling station workers not showing up, causing long lines throughout the city.

Furthermore, the EU observer team head noted that the election may have violated election law. By law, polling stations are required to have voter registration lists on hand. Luisa Morganti, the EU head, noted that this omission meant that the “process was not done according to the rules.” Ms. Morganti went on to advise that Angola’s election officials should meet with international observers to discuss the issues with the voting, so that next year’s presidential election will not have the same flaws.

The opposition party has encouraged many of the impoverished Angolans to vote for change. However, only eight million out of an estimated sixteen million citizens were actually registered.

For more information, please see:

CNN  – EU: Historic Angolan election ‘a disaster’ – 5 September 2008

Reuters – Angola poll violated election law: EU observer chief – 6 September 2008