Benguela - The Bishop of the Diocese of Benguela, Dom António Jaca, urged Monday in Benguela Province the competitors of the general elections of August 24, to accept the results of the suffrage with tranquility.
According to the prelate, who was speaking to Radio Benguela, the political competitors should accept the results calmly because it is a political game and whoever loses now may win on another occasion.
The bishop advises that if any of the participants feel wronged due to the results, there are appropriate bodies to settle this, such as the courts, the CNE itself, in the first instance, to lodge an appeal.
“Everything must be done within the framework of the law, dissatisfaction should not be manifested with disruptions, one must respect the common good, other people, institutions and the country itself”, emphasised the Catholic prelate.
He reinforced that the political game does not end with the elections, as whoever is in the opposition side must play the political game in Parliament and beyond, in such a way that they can win the elections on another opportunity.
“The political parties should have the nobility to accept the results when they are published and when observers also agree on the fairness of the process”, he stressed.
For the cleric the elections are a moment of celebration for democracy and should never be seen as a drama or moment of crisis where institutions cease to function, as everything will continue to function normally after the 24th. “Life goes on”, stated Dom António Jaca.
He urged citizens to participate in this process, both christians and others, because the vote is important to legitimize the country's institutions and everyone should participate with serenity and tranquillity.
According to the bishop, the Catholic Church has two election observers in Benguela Province and 32 across the country, who will contribute for the process to be free, fair and transparent.
The electoral campaign in Angola officially ends today, 22 August.
According to the Provincial Electoral Commission (CNE), across Benguela were set up 980 polling stations and 2,117 voting tables, to serve over 1.2 million registered voters.
