afrol News, 11 March - The main opposition in Angola Union for Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) has dismissed president Jose Eduardo dos Santos statements as a tactic to keep to power and delay the promised presidential elections.

Responding at the press conference today, UNITA's leader Isaias Samakuva told the media that any postponement of the elections would be a direct attack on the freedoms of the people of Angola.

He said because president dos Santos mandate was not legitimate since he was elected in a controversial 1992 ballot, which triggered the country's long-running civil war, saying he took him only as a "transitional" president.

"It is unacceptable that after 17 years the country continues with a transitional president who year after year uses tricks not to hold presidential elections," said Mr Samakuva.

Mr dos Santos stated yesterday in Lisbon that the much awaited presidential elections will be held in Angola only after the approval of the new constitutional law, which he said it would be this year, without giving a specific time.

He said since the holding of the parliamentary elections, a Constitutional Commission was established to prepare a new supreme law of the country, which he said once approved, it is then that a timetable for the presidential elections will be made.

Angola held parliamentary elections which the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) won in a landslide victory in September 2008, the first polls to be held in the country in 16 years.

The presidential elections, will be the first since 1992.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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