UNITA denounces pressure over voter registration
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Jornal F8
UNITA, Angola’s main opposition party, denounces pressure on employees of public institutions, who are reportedly being asked at work to provide proof that they have updated their voter registration. In a memorandum to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, the party challenges the legal basis for these requests and highlights the lack of registration offices in rural areas, Jornal F8 reported.
UNITA, Angola’s main opposition party, has denounced pressure being exerted on employees of public institutions and companies to present proof that they have updated their voter registration. In a memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, the party challenges the legal basis for these requests and calls for instructions banning any coercion.
The updating of the electoral register, which began on 15 June for general elections scheduled for 2027, concerns citizens aged over 18. The authorities are targeting more than 16.7 million registrations by 31 March 2027. According to UNITA, raising awareness of the process is legitimate, but must not become an administrative requirement that could result in sanctions or professional consequences.
The party also warns that there are too few registration desks in rural areas. It is calling for the publication, by province and municipality, of data on the desks planned, installed and actually operational. This latest warning follows UNITA’s criticism of shortcomings in Angola’s voter registration process.
