Luanda - The National Electoral Commission (CNE) gave UNITA 48 hours to correct its list of accredited delegates for the voting process abroad, according to the deliberation of a plenary meeting of the body.
The decision follows a complaint by UNITA that its non-resident delegates in the countries indicated were having difficulties exercising their activities.
Speaking to the press, the CNE spokesman, Lucas Quilundo, who did not disclose the number of UNITA delegates in an irregular situation, said the plenary deliberated the substitution of those, who are not in accordance with the legislation and the specifically approved regulations.
The CNE official said the criteria for one to be a delegate of a list and voter abroad is to be a resident in the country in question with updated electoral registration in the respective constituency.
"If an Angolan citizen is a resident in South Africa or in Portugal, to be a delegate of the list he or she must have the voter registration updated in that country, in addition to his or her residence", Quilundo said.
The CNE spokesman corroborated the denial by the Namibe Provincial Electoral Commission (CPE) about an alleged early voting in Caraculo locality, Namibe Province, widely disseminated in social media, stressing that the images circulating have nothing to do with the electoral process.
Mr Quilundo reaffirmed the non-existence of early voting.
Meanwhile, the CNE also regretted the accident on Friday of the National Air Force helicopter that was transporting electoral material to Lóvua city, Moxico Province, which caused injuries to four occupants and the total destruction of the helicopter and its logistics.
However, he said, the destruction of the material will not hinder the elections, since there is enough spare equipment available.
A source from the National Air Force told ANGOP today that it was premature to determine the exact causes of the crash of the MI-171SH helicopter without the conclusion of an inquiry, which will determine whether it was a technical or human error, or bad weather, among others.
The CNE spokesman explained, in relation to the eventual difficulties of the visually impaired in locating their respective polling stations, that they should be accompanied by a suitable and loyal person to help them exercise their right to vote.
Lucas Quilundo took the opportunity to reiterate his appeal to voters to adhere to the polling station consultation process to locate their polling stations in advance and avoid embarrassment on voting day.
Roughly 14.3 voters are expected to cast ballots on August 24 with 22,560 Angolan citizens registered to exercise this right abroad.
