The US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human
Rights and International Operations held an oversight hearing to examine
Angola's long delayed election. Opposition leader Dr. Eduardo Kuangana,
President of the Party for Social Renewal, commented that the testimony from
the hearing revealed that at best, the Angolan government has been "preparing
to prepare" for an election for the last four years.


    In response to questioning from Committee Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ),
the Angolan Ambassador to the United States, Josefina Diakita, indicated that
the country faces several hurdles before it will be able to hold a successful
election. Chief amongst them was the continuing obstacle presented by
uncleared land mines and undeveloped infrastructure. She affirmed the
government's prior promise to hold elections in 2007.


    Expert witnesses including Dan Mozena, Director of the Office of Southern
African Affairs of the US Department of State and Dr. Paul Bonicelli, USAID
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Democracy and Governance indicated that
there had been very little visible progress in preparing for the 2007 poll,
however.


    In response to the testimony presented in the hearing, Dr. Kuangana
called upon the United States to utilize its unique position as Angola's
largest export partner to prod the government in instituting the electoral
reforms necessary to hold an election next year. He further commented,
"Public opinion surveys commissioned by the International Republican
Institute and National Democratic Institute for International Affairs have
shown that Angolans are eager for an election. Turnout in the 1992 election
was higher than 80% of eligible voters, and surveys indicate that a similar
number of voters are prepared to go to the polls tomorrow."


    He warned against drawing the conclusion that Angola needs more time
before the conduct of a national election is feasible. "It is important to
distinguish between inconvenient and impossible access to polling places."


    Angola is a major recipient of American aid. Yet surprisingly, Angola is
a wealthy country that is rich in oil, diamonds, gold, and uranium. "The
Angolan government is now reaping a windfall from the ballooning prices of
oil. We appreciate the assistance provided by the Americans, but Angola
doesn't need monetary aid from the United States; Angola needs a free and
fair democratic election."




Source: Party for Social Renewal

Hank Jones +1-202-386-2578, for Party for Social Renewal