First local elections by 2014, announces minister

The minister of Territory Administration, Bornito de Sousa, has announced that local elections in Angola will start between 2013 and 2014, following the population and housing census. “Soon after general elections, and taking into account the population census schedule, a period will be established, probably between 2013 and 2014, for the start of municipal elections,” he stated. Speaking at the main event of the celebrations of the country’s 36th anniversary, November 11, on behalf of the head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, the minister said the population census will be a huge task that will require the contribution of all citizens.

He recalled that the latest census in the country was held more than 40 years ago, hence the need for the country to know how many citizens it has. According to Bornito de Sousa, the local powers were a relevant element for the strengthening of democracy and participation of the citizens in public affairs. In the meantime, he added, the country is organising its municipal and provincial structures that require a democratic organ to monitor the activities of the provincial and municipal administrators. He mentioned the organs as being the social hearing and concert councils comprising representatives of political parties with parliament seat and of the civil society, totalling 18,000 representatives that will monitor the performance of the governors and administrators throughout the country. (ANGOP)