Luanda – The country’s political parties and public institutions have been urged to opt for actions that contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
The appeal was made by director general of the Action for Rural Development and Environment (ADRA), Carlos Cambuta, on Tuesday.
Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Electoral Justice, Cambuta spoke of the need for the general elections, scheduled for next August, to take place in a climate of peace and national harmony.
Carlos Cambuta considered it essential to place the national interest at the top of priorities, despite party affiliations.
In his speech, the ADRA director general expressed concern about the increase in number of the citizens who fail to participate in general election held in the country.
He recalled that in the 2008 elections, abstention was 12.7 percent, in 2012 it went to 37 percent and in 2017 at 43 percent.
On the other hand, the official called on Media to remain impartial and plural, having discouraged personal attacks to avoid acts of intolerance.
As for the International Conference on Electoral Justice, he stated that he has in mind the challenges of this year’s general elections, as well as contributing to the debate of social actors in the promotion of the electoral process.
The initiative is part of the COSCA-ANGOLA Project “Training Civil Society Organisations for the Municipal Process” and is being implemented by ADRA in the provinces of Benguela, Malanje and Luanda.
Source: Angola Press News Agency