Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Administrator
Published on 2024-02-14 08:24:33
There is an intention to do what a certain group of people want? No, it may have absolutely nothing to do with that. It may be that some sections of the current Constitution are not in line with the needs of the time, may it be that some section – some article – of the current Constitution may need some precision or transparency. And it is in this regard that we have admitted and we will continue to insist upon that possibility of a new revision, because the current Constitution is not eternal, that is, we must be open-minded so as not to be perpetually fossilized.
Returning to the local elections issue, the President reaffirmed that it would be a mistake to hold all the country elections at the same time.
He stressed that the simultaneous elections, understood as the election of the President, the National Assembly and the municipalities in the same electoral act, are not desirable. “To hold all these elections at the same time is to almost debase the local elections because all the focus of attention will be on the presidential and parliamentary elections. However, the issue of the schedule and the manner in which it is desired to do it is naturally up to the Parliament to decide,” he said.
In the face of doubts and criticism from the opposition, the Angolan Government maintains that the proposal to the National Assembly provides some flexibility, allowing the process to be adjusted according to the means available in each municipality and according to the various interests at stake.
In the Lunda Province, for example, which used to have seven municipalities, but now has 11 due to the increased political-administrative division, the Ministry of Territorial Administration has announced that it is necessary to increase resources.
It is certain that the gradualism being suggested by the President will facilitate the process. Even more so when we consider the complexity of the Angolan municipal system, with hundreds of municipalities and provincial capitals, thousands of identifiable and integrated local entities, as well as currently more than 20,000 local administration agents. All of this in a scenario where all the provinces must have decision-making power. This represents a significant challenge for developing the local administration, and the gradual implementation of local elections will provide the necessary time to conduct the electoral process smoothly.
Analysts expect the gradualism process to contribute to strengthening democracy and good governance in Angola. After all, free, fair and transparent local elections will provide citizens with the opportunity to participate fully in the development of their local communities. This will help to deepen the political culture in the country, creating a strong foundation for future democratic progress. The policy of attracting US private investment also represents a significant shift in the country’s economic policy, possibly creating a sustainable model that is less dependent on traditional industries like oil. Investments in renewable energy, agriculture, mineral processing, and tourism can help diversify the Angolan economy and create new opportunities for economic growth.
As for the role of Angola in mediating the conflict between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the President’s efforts are commendable. Stability in the DRC is not only important for the Congolese people but also for the entire region. Angola, along with other regional players, is instrumental in working towards long-lasting peace in the region. The success of these efforts will not only benefit the people of the DRC but also result in increased regional stability and economic development.
In conclusion, the vision outlined by President João Lourenço for Angola’s future is promising. His approach to local elections, attracting foreign investment, and mediating regional conflicts is encouraging. With the systematic implementation of these policies, Angola has the potential to emerge as a stable, prosperous nation in the years to come.
Read the original article on The Angola Press Agency
