ANGOLA: THE ELECTIONS AND THE NEC

As the presidential elections is getting closer, several questions have arisen about the impartiality and reputation of the entity responsible for this suffrage - the National Elections Commission (NEC).

This body is responsible for safeguarding the elections’ authenticity. Opposition parties have expressed their discontent given the attitude of the NEC. UNITA (main opposition party) has placed greater emphasis on the transparency of the elections, since "the NEC insists on pursuing a posture that brings into question peace and democracy."

This body has always been accused of being associated with the interests of the ruling party, the MPLA. We can immediately identify some issues that call into question the NEC’s transparency.

Since the Electoral Law and Constitution are very clear regarding electoral processes, it’s necessary to move towards institutionalization based on the law, not seeking the balances between laws. They are mandatory rules that have to be applied, period.

Afterward, with the Sinfic’s nomination as one of the companies responsible for the provision of services in the election, the NEC is again under observation, as it isn’t a company that pleases the opposition. It doesn’t bring any credibility or guarantee of independence to the Angolan electoral process. This company is Angolan (although based in Portugal) and in the past has already been accused of collaborating in the adulteration of the results in favor of the MPLA. Furthermore, Sinfic has recently experienced a rough financial period (almost insolvent), therefore is still very vulnerable to achieve satisfactory performance in such an important and sensitive task. It also raises many doubts about its shareholder board, and there are even suspicions that important generals of the regime hold capital in this company.

Finally, there is a demand by UNITA for an audit of the majority age citizens file. There’s a very large difference between the total voters that attended 2012 election, with the number of current voters (according to a recent censos.

It is crucial for Angola an independent and neutral NEC. The direction taken till now means the elections will be no more than a farce, but it’s only for show, confirming a fake democratic regime.

Is there any possibility to retify things, so that NEC gain credibility?

Indeed, the electoral process needs to have observers from the international community, yet that depends on the Angolan executive.

João Dias - Senior Consultant