Angolan opposition seeks later poll

Published Aug 24, 2012

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Luanda - Angola's main opposition called on Friday for the August 31 national election to be postponed for a month to allow time to correct a lack of transparency in the poll and violations of the electoral law.

Campaigning for the election, only the second in Africa's No. 2 oil producer since the 27-year civil war ended a decade ago, has been marked by wrangling over transparency. Voters are to elect a parliament and the leader of the biggest party will then become president.

Isaias Samakuva, leader of the main opposition UNITA party, told Reuters a combination of “incompetence” at the national elections commission (CNE) and interference from the ruling MPLA party means preparations as they stand will lead to an unfair vote.

“We want the elections to happen. But if the right conditions are not met, if the CNE needs another couple of weeks or a month, we would prefer that option,” he said in an interview.

“We have waited four years, another month to make sure the vote is free and fair would not be a problem.” - Reuters

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