ANGOLA: CLASH BETWEEN EU AND ANGOLAN GOVERNMENT

The Angolan government informed by its Foreign Affairs Minister Georges Chicoti that it doesn’t sign any memorandum of understanding with the European Union, related to the purpose of this organization being one of the observers in the general elections.

The justification is that the government doesn’t have to draw any kind of memorandum with other entities or individuals invited as observers - African Union (AU), Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, Southern African Development Community.

There are already specific treaties between Angola and the AU plus the regional organization already mentioned in the scope of electoral observation, as was pointed out by the minister himself. He also enhanced Angola is not "shutting the door" to the EU, but that no organization gives lessons about elections to Angola.

With regard to the memorandum it provided for the circulation and visits of EU observers on national territory and made demands on security for its delegation. It should be recalled that about two months ago the EU had already announced that it intended to monitor the elections before the start of the election campaign.

The opposition reaction was obviously more than fair. If Angola wants to be taken more seriously in the international community on the democratic aspect and calls for free elections, it cannot drop out an observer like the EU.

The arrogance that so often accompanies this government, makes itself felt in this episode once again. What lessons does Angola have to receive over elections? Everything! The civil war resumed in 1992 and lasted another decade because UNITA (main opposition party) considered the general election fraudulent. What followed falls some way short of satisfying all the requirements for a fair and democratic election.

The credibility of the election is at stake. If you have nothing to hide you have nothing to fear. In the name of transparency the Angolan government should listen to the opposition criticism.

João Dias - Senior Consultant, Professor of International Relations