Angola

Delays as Angolans vote in landmark polls

Article published on the 2008-09-05 Latest update 2008-09-06 10:58 TU

Voters queue up in Luanda.
(Photo : AFP)

Voting in Angola is into its second day, in the first parliamentary polls since 1992. Thousands of voters gathered outside polling stations and delays were reported as voting started, with hundreds of people  waiting in line because of technical problems. The elections are widely expected to enable the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, (MPLA) party of president José Eduardo dos Santos to stay in power.

 

Although 14 parties are taking part, the campaign has been dominated by long-term rivals, the MPLA and the opposition National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita).

"We have now started a new political era, a new way of using politics to obtain our goals," President José Eduardo dos Santos, said as he voted in Luanda.

However, civil society activist Rafaél Marquez, told RFI that within just one hour the polling station had run out of ballot boxes.

"To me what is striking is the way the government tries to portray it and its international friends," he said. 

"That this would be the best-organised elections in Africa that had the best high-tech solution in Africa, even though they knew the country doesn't have the infrastructures for high-tech solutions."

He accuses the authorities of fraud.

 

Angola is rich in diamonds and oil, with output projected to increase by 90 per cent from 2005 levels by 2010, according to conservative estimates of the International Monetary Fund.

The country is experiencing amazing economic growth, mainly due to oil production but the human development index is extremely low.

Little prosperity has trickled down to the people, with poverty rife amongst most of the population.

But the election campaign was relatively violence-free, raising hopes that Angola may be on the way to peace and prosperity.

Members of the 220-seat parliament are being chosen Friday, whilst the country's presidential elections are expected next year.