The constitutional court in Angola on Wednesday upheld the results of the August 23 presidential election won by the ruling MPLA party.
The court dismissed the petition filed challenging the election results by the opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) but ruled that there were some identified irregularities during the election.
The head of the court, Rui Ferreira said the irregularities however did not impact the actual outcome of the polls.
“The August 23 election were free, transparent, universal and in accordance with the country’s Constitution and law, they are valid,” Ferreira said.
The court has now ruled that swearing in of elected officers takes place. “The country’s president-elect, his deputy and all MP must take oath to office.” Ferreira said.
The MPLA was declared winner of the polls by the Angolan electoral commission winning by 61.07 per cent of vote and securing 150 seats in the country’s parliament.
With the latest ruling, the leader of the MPLA, João Lourenço who is the country’s former Defence minister, is expected to be sworn-in on September 21.
The 63-year old will take over from Jose Eduardo dos Santos who had ruled the country for 38-years.
Source: Africafeeds.com
