ANGOLA: COLLUSION, FRAUD AND LIES IN THE ELECTIONS

 Not surprisingly, these elections were to be fraudulent. Only those who are very naive, unifamiliar with the real world, or colluding with the MPLA government, may be astonished at the "results" MPLA made.

Although the latest results are still provisional fugures (the definitive ones are scheduled for September 6), one has already realized that the MPLA's greatest goal is achieved: the guarantee of a qualified majority, which allows it to continue its excesses and abuses.

How does the government party achieve this qualified majority? Loudly lying about the electoral results, “manufacturing” them through the National Electoral Commission (NEC), which has always served the MPLA’s interests.

All of this happens after UNITA, the main opposition party,released a first result, which, though it gave the victory to João Lourenço and the MPLA, would be very close in percentage terms, and the opposition would have more votes than the MPLA. That is, the scenario in the National Assembly would change completely in its configuration, and consequently, Angola could to some extent get rid of the dictatorial yoke that has lasted since independence. To the disappointment and revolt of the majority, the NEC presented sloppy results, in one occasion the sum of the voting percentages exceeded 100%!

Many of the observers, especially the portuguese, who are supposed to observe the elections, have praised the electoral act, highlighting the climate of peace and civility that prevailed throughout the voting. This, with a few exceptions, even seems to be true and to be praised, however, they have neglected to question the way the results have appeared. Were they in the polling centers? The vote counting in those centers had nothing to do with the results released by the CNE.

All opposition parties point out the results provided by the CNE have been forged and don’t correspond with the information given by their party delegates. What do "observers" have to say about this?

João Dias - Senior Consultant, Professor of International Relations

AFRICA: A LACONIC AND BRIEF LOOK

Mozambique

The road to an everlasting peace is closer after the meeting between President Nyusi and the main opposition leader, Afonso Dhlakama.

A concrete deadline was announced for the conclusion of the peace process.

By the end of the year, if everything goes well, we will have the peace process concluded. A few more steps were taken earlier this month, with military issues and decentralization expected to remain the main factors of discussion between the Mozambican Government and RENAMO.

Hopefully, Felipe Nyusi, at least on this peace promotion subject, will be more successful than in the economic and development issues of the country, because contrary to what he has been proclaiming, Mozambique isn’t being put back on track.        

Angola

The MPLA foam at the mouth since the “Makangola” site disclosed the results of the electoral poll.

Not surprisingly, it has long been clear the Angolan population doesn’t trust this dictatorial regime disguised as a democracy commited by José Eduardo dos Santos and his useful cronies.

The election results shall not reflect how much the MPLA regime is hated by the Angolans, since one acknowledges the results will be rigged once again.

However, it is already clear the MPLA is terrified by the changes that is progressively erupting in Angolan society. I tis quite obvious, especially among the young Angolan university population, more educated and, consequently, more aware of the lies and crimes perpetrated by the Angolan government.

Miguel Verde - Senior Consultant, Professor of International Relations

ANGOLA: THE MEDIA ARE ACCOMPLICES OF THE GOVERNMENT

The Angolan elections are around the corner and each of the parties aims to spread their ideas in the best possible way, in order to captivate the citizen's vote.

In a country where only in theory through laws or the Constitution observes democracy, the party that has been in power since independence, besides compromising the legitimacy and veracity of the elections by not collaborating on the issue of international observers, continues to dominate the Angolan media, even in the midst of an election campaign.

Once again, the MPLA is turning the elections into a farce; the disparity in the attention given by the Angolan media to the different political forces is abyssal. The average MPLA time spent by the media in this election campaign period is on average over 60%. The remaining parties, or movements, are left with the rest, standing out UNITA with an average of 13%.

This situation is obviously unconstitutional and violates Angolan law. In an election campaign, there must be equality of treatment in relation to all participating parties, regardless of whether the service media are public or private.

Unfortunately, although this context is not unprecedented, it ultimately discredits justice in the elections, and certain candidacies gain more relevance to the detriment of others.

Given this scenario, it would be vital the National Elections Commission (NEC) ensured respect for equal opportunities and treatment of the various candidates. Equal conditions given by media is imperative. If the NEC doesn’t comply with its obligation, the parties must appeal to the Constitutional Court, which has jurisdiction over electoral issues.

In the face of the damage that media companies are causing in the course of the electoral process, they can be subject of heavy claims for monetary compensation.

If we want justice and veracity in the electoral process, we must condemn situations like that.

 João Dias - Senior Consultant, Professor of International Relations

BRAZIL: JOÃO DORIA – THE ONE MAN SHOW

João Doria is the man-of-the-hour in São Paulo. With a diverse background ranging from businessman to lecturer and journalist, the current Mayor of São Paulo symbolizes the "one man show" of Brazilian politics.

His possible candidacy for the 2018 presidential elections is leaving the left wingparties and their political party cronies with mixed feelings of anxiety and nervousness. Anyone who thought that his career in politics would be insipid and brief was mislead. He has labelled Lula da Silva as the main political target, knowing that if he succeeds in overcoming this myth, his path to the presidency will be easier.

Dubbed by many as the "show Mayor," Doria has already created a brand of power, it is always on the move and its frenetic pace aims to break the inertia of the public sector.

Recently he gave an interview where his perspective was clear on many subjects, specially in this troubled times for Brazil. Contrary to what some have suggested, it advocates gradual and balanced solutions for the Brazilian economy.

The main doctrine supported by Doria concerns the State. Accordin too him the State is too "fat" in Brazil. It can and should be considerably smaller. A smaller state will be more focused, more efficient, and provide better services being less vulnerable to corruption.

The road to privatization then goes through a privatization program for the country. The city of São Paulo has been able to overcome a good part of its deficit very much in the account of private companies; Although Doria doesn’t hesitate pointing out that in cases like Petrobras and Banco do Brasil the privatization process must be progressivel. Only some of the activities of these companies can be put into the hands of the private sector, yet without undermining their structures and also guaranteeing the workers’ employability

The Mayor of São Paulo has some restrainhing position on this sectors, yet he he upholds the Federal Government to advance more quickly in the privatization program.

Regarding the economic policy of Michel Temer’ Government, Doria despite being a supporter of more aggressive policies, understands to a certain extent some slowness and caution of the current executive due to political instability. He attributes the prolonged recession and timidity of the economic recovery to the decisions taken by the leftist governments, specially Dilma Rousseff, although the country is already on an upward path. However, he is rejoicing over the recently approved labor reform, and stresses out that without the welfare state reform (to deal with the high deficit in public accounts) the state will collapse financially.

As for the recent increase in fuel, the Mayor "turns up his nose", emphasizing that this isn’t the best way; it’s necessary to adhere an austere administration, cutting costs and improving revenues, fine-tuning with taxes collection and avoiding tax evasion.

The Brazilian Social Democratic Party may even have several well-known candidates who may aspire to become President. Yet it is increasingly hard to find a politician with a "clean record" and who is popular among the majority of population. Could João Doria be such candidate?

Miguel Verde - Senior Consultant, Professor of International Relations