An Angolan opposition party, CASA-CE, says it will use a computer program to minimize the chances of ballot-rigging in the country’s elections slated for Wednesday 23, August.
The country’s main two opposition parties, National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and Broad Convergence for the Salvation of Angola – Electoral Coalition (CASA-CE), have complained of electoral irregularities ahead of that vote.
The ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), which has ruled the oil-rich country since independence, is widely expected to win the election.
CASA-CE’s program, presented to media in Luanda on Monday, will calculate results based on data from delegates at polling stations.
According to them, this will enable them to pick up potential discrepancies, such as between votes cast and numbers of registered voters at polling stations.
The Southern African nation will get a new leader for the first time in 38 years, having been ruled by President Jose Eduardo dos Santos since September 1979.
The 74-year-old will however retain his role as the leader of the MPLA party, a role analysts say will ensure he retains his influence in the country’s politics.
The MPLA has fronted current Defence Minister Joao Lourenco as its presidential candidate.
In Angola, voters do not vote directly for a president. Instead, the leader of the party with a parliamentary majority becomes head of state.
