Luanda: The unveiling ceremony of a plaque marking the designation of Angola's National Electoral Commission (CNE) headquarters as a National Historical-Cultural Heritage site took place on Wednesday, as part of the anniversary celebrations of the electoral body's establishment. The event was led by CNE President Manuel Pereira da Silva and Secretary of State for Culture Maria de Jesus, attended by officials and invited guests.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the building's designation as a heritage site was formalized under Executive Decree No. 117/26, published in the Official Gazette on May 11, 2026. Manuel Pereira da Silva emphasized the building's substantial value to Angola and its crucial role in preserving the country's institutional and electoral history. In his address, the CNE president underlined the cultural significance of the Margaret Anstee building, marking not only another anniversary but also acknowledging the cultural heritage associated with the property.
The event also provided a platform to enhance the bond between the CNE and citizens through guided tours of the Elections Museum, focusing on civic and electoral education, preserving institutional memory, and fostering responsible citizenship. Manuel Pereira da Silva highlighted the CNE's historical role since the 1992 multiparty elections, emphasizing its commitment to organizing, implementing, and ensuring the integrity of electoral processes. He called for improved cooperation among institutions and society to build a more democratic Angola.
The deputy director-general of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC), Emanuel Caboco, advocated for the promotion and preservation of Angola's cultural heritage to strengthen national identity and encourage development through tourism. He elaborated on the expanded concept of cultural heritage, which now includes both tangible and intangible assets, and stressed the importance of recognizing natural and landscape heritage alongside traditional cultural expressions.
Regarding the CNE headquarters, Caboco highlighted its significance in the historical and urban development of Luanda. He traced the concern for heritage classification in Angola back to 1889, emphasizing the establishment of the National Monuments Commission in 1922 to assess and protect built heritage.
In conjunction with the heritage designation, the CNE also launched a special newsletter titled 'CNE 34 Years,' summarizing major activities from late 2025 to mid-2026. The publication, available in Portuguese and English, features the approval of the motto and logo for the 2027 General Elections under the theme 'Angolan Women and Men, Let Us All Vote - 2027 General Elections.'
The anniversary celebrations also included a verification of electoral registration records by CNE Plenary members at the One-Stop Public Service Centre (BUAP) in Ingombota Municipal Administration, emphasizing the importance of updating and validating citizen data for the electoral process.
