Press Statement

24 August 2012

SADC Observer Mission to monitor elections in Angola

An Election Observer Mission from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is being deployed to the Republic of Angola, at the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Angola, to observe general elections in the country, scheduled for 31 August 2012.

South Africa has deployed forty-eight (48) observers as part of the SADC Observer Mission. The South African contingent is multi-sectoral in its composition, consisting of members of Parliament, civil society and Government.

The SADC Observer Mission is led by Tanzania as the current Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security.

Nine political parties/coalitions are expected to contest the elections. The National Electoral Commission (CNE) has called for peaceful elections.

Contesting parties are accorded equal campaigning slots on TV and radio stations of five and 10 minutes daily. Billboards displaying the messages of different political parties have been mounted all over the country.

Enquiries, Mr Clayson Monyela: +27 82 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg
Road Rietondale
Pretoria