MPLA Victorious in Angolan Election
According to various reports, the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), was successful in the recently held general election. The MPLA won 51% of the vote while their fierce rivals, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) won 44%. The MPLA’s victory means it will remain as the governing party while its leader Joao Lourenco will serve another five years as president.
UNITA, however, rejected the projected results of the election.
On Tuesday, August 30th, UNITA announced they had filed legal complaints to the electoral commission, contesting the results of the election. The commission rejected the complaints.
Angola’s National Electoral Commission (CNE) claims that 14 million citizens were eligible to cast their votes. This was also the first time Angolans in the diaspora were able to participate in an election.
Angola is a southern African country with a population of 35 million. Even though it counts Portuguese as its only official language, more than 46 languages are spoken in the country.
The country is rich in natural minerals such as oil, gas, and diamonds. It is the second biggest producer of oil in Africa behind Nigeria. Angola is an important economic partner to the European Union and the United States.
The White House congratulated the Angolan people for carrying out their right to vote. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a White House press briefing that they would continue to observe the electoral process in Angola but called for peace and patience in the country.
