afrol News, 1 August - A plenary of Angola's National Electoral Commission (CNE) has approved a model of ballot paper ahead of the country's September legislative elections.

CNE`s Spokesperson, Adão de Almeida, announced that the introduction of the model ballot paper is in line with the graphic characteristics of the law.

"These characteristics are the existence of running parties' designations, initials and symbols, being that last one in same cases is represented by the flag, as well as a space for vote marking," Mr. Almeida said.

He said the paper would include an orderly number of contesting parties on the left hand side.

"The meeting also discussed issues relating to the graphic aspect of papers, mainly the existence of enough space between one and other candidature, so that the ballot paper does not mislead the voters," the electoral official official added.

The plenary also recommended that there should be a space between each ballot box to avoid citizens confusing while voting.

Last week, Angola's Constitutional Court cleared 10 political parties and four alliances to contest parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in September.

Though there has never been serious reports of intimidation during run up to the polls, one of the country's minor opposition parties has claimed intimidation and torture on its supporters, thus hindering its supporters from fully engaging in campaigns.

The party further claimed incidents of physical aggression on its members and removal of documents allegedly by both ruling party youth cadres and state secret agency.

Meanwhile, the European Union has begun deploying an observer mission in Angola to monitor the first general elections in 16 years.

The bloc's External Relations Commissioner, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, said the elections are "crucial to strengthening of democracy" in Angola, especially as it tries to rebuild itself after more than a decade of civil war.

"We are confident that the EU's assessment will boost confidence of Angolan people in the process. It is fundamental that these legislative elections are conducted in a satisfactory manner and in line with international standards," she said.

The last legislative elections were held 16 years ago during a lull in the fighting between UNITA and government forces, but second round was called off after the late UNITA leader, Jonas Savimbi, alleged there had been widespread vote rigging.

Angolan President, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has been in power since 1979, is yet to confirm his candidature in the scheduled 2009 presidential polls of Africa's current leading oil producer.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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