Protests to be held in Angola
Angolan opposition party and former rebel group UNITA is expected to begin protesting a contested election outcome today. Photo: CNN
Angolan opposition party and former rebel group UNITA is expected to begin protesting a contested election outcome today.
President João Lourenço was sworn in last Thursday following his election win, furthering MPLA party’s nearly 50-years of rule. However, the election was heavily disputed by opposition groups, namely runner-up UNITA which won 44% of the votes to the MPLA’s 51%.
Marking UNITA’s strongest performance at the polls since its inception thirty years ago, the Party has now accused MPLA of fraud. Yet, the Angolan Constitutional Court —led by a former MPLA member — ruled against their fraud complaint.
Expect the capital of Luanda to retain a heavy security presence in an effort to stifle likely protests in the coming days To appeal to the disenfranchised youth, from which UNITA mainly draws its support, President Lourenço promised the creation of jobs to combat rampant unemployment. This is still unlikely to deter demonstrations from the younger generation, who are frustrated that Angola’s oil wealth has not trickled down. Much of the country’s petroleum revenue remains in the hands of a few powerful members of MPLA. Nevertheless, Lourenço will attempt to court UNITA supporters with promises of private sector opportunities through privatizing state-run assets.
