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Cde Chombo

Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
The Zanu-PF delegation that observed Wednesday’s elections in Angola has commended the country for the peaceful and orderly manner in which it conducted the polls.

The delegation was led by secretary for Administration Cde Ignatius Chombo and included Political Commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere among others.

In an interview, Cde Chombo said they were impressed by the voting process.

“We were very much impressed by the presence of the major political parties right at the beginning of the election process,” he said.

“We were also quite impressed that people with disabilities were given first preference in voting.

“We visited Kilamba, Kisangolo and many other places and the process was very well organised and very systematic. We talked with some of the persons who were coming to vote, and (we) were impressed that everybody voted freely and left freely.”

Cde Chombo said they did not witness any incidences of violence at the various polling stations.

“Throughout our visits, we never saw even one polling station where there were arguments or fights,” he said.

“There was no canvassing for votes. The counting of votes was done freely, openly and in a transparent manner in the presence of representatives of political parties.

“The counting was done at the polling station where voting had taken place and the results were displayed on the boards where counting was taking place.”

Cde Chombo said the conduct of the elections in Angola put paid to the myth that Africans cannot conduct elections transparently.

“The issues that are usually raised by foreign journalists are that in Africa elections are not done in a scientific manner,” he said.

“Today I saw an electoral process which is one of the best I have seen around.

“I am convinced that the outcome will reflect the wishes and aspirations of the Angolan people and the winning party will enjoy the support of the people, even those who would have lost the election.

“My delegation is grateful that we were allowed to observe this election.”

The elections were contested by six political parties — the ruling MPLA led by Joao Lourenco, main opposition UNITA led by Isaias Samakuva, FNLA, PRS, APN and the coalition CASA-CE party.

The elections were observed by 1 440 observers, with 1 200 coming from the international community, while 240 were local observers.