By Prensa Latina,
Luanda : The European Union´s Observer Mission has termed Angola’s legislative elections Friday and Saturday as fair and transparent.
In a statement released Monday, all 120 EU observers said voting was peaceful, and respectful of freedom of expression.
There was a massive turnout and people voted as they wished, showing their commitment to the country’s democratic process, EU mission chief, Italy´s Luisa Morgantini, said.
European Parliament official Fiona Hill described the elections as a major step forward. “We hope they can contribute to strengthen the role of the Angolan Parliament and of all its members,” she added.
The EU mission in its preliminary report said some aspects of the elections fell short of international standards.
On voting day there was some confusion and disorganization, which caused some polling stations to open late, others to run out of ballot papers and a few not to open at all. The problems led election officials to extend voting in 320 centers by a second day.
The EU observers have been in Angola at the invitation of the National Election Commission and the Angolan Foreign Ministry.