Africa-Press – Angola. Christian churches in Angola promoted, this Sunday, in Luanda, at Estádio 11 de Novembro, an “ecumenical cult of supplications to God for peaceful elections”. During the homily, religious leaders appealed to political parties competing in this month’s General Elections to maintain speeches of peace, tolerance and patriotism.
The position of the churches, in relation to the electoral political environment, was expressed during the ecumenical service, which took place under the motto “Angolans called to prayer and to embrace peace, in times of elections, praying for the Nation for a peaceful life”. The religious also ask for respect for electoral results, advising politicians to face the electoral moment with a spirit of humility, love of neighbor, as these are values that allow us to recognize defeat and congratulate the winner.
Reverend António Mussaqui asked political parties to use only legal instruments, in the event of any complaints, always guided by the spirit of dialogue and common sense. “Angola does not end with the General Elections of August 24, it is just another stage in our history, and not its end, and whoever wins will be congratulated, and whoever loses must be content and congratulate the winner”, clarified the reverend, adding: “whoever wins, doesn’t win everything, and whoever loses, doesn’t lose everything”.
In a pastoral message addressed to Angolans, the pastors recognized and praised the civic and ethical posture of order and good behavior of the leaders of political parties and militants, as well as of all the people, demonstrated during the electoral campaign. “They praised the work of the National Electoral Commission (CNE) in creating conditions for the successful holding of the country’s fifth General Elections.
Religious entities, specifically addressing the CNE, appealed to place voting material in assemblies in good time and to respond to complaints presented.
Yesterday’s liturgical celebration aimed to lead the people of God to pray, supplicate and intercede with God, asking for the country’s blessing so that these General Elections take place in a climate of peace, harmony, fraternity, a spirit of tolerance, civility, order and of transparency.
Appeal To Citizens
Religious leaders reminded all citizen voters that voting is an act of citizenship and patriotism. Therefore, they ask that they participate in the electoral act with civility, respect and love for others, discipline and order. “Do not remain in the assemblies after the vote, do not accept messages of innuendo and incitement to any type of violence, vandalism and disturbance of order and peace, during the elections and the period of proclamation of the final results”, they appealed.
National and international observers were asked to carry out the mission and to exercise the role of supervisors and advisers, “do not be intimidated by anything or anyone, courageously denouncing any irregularity of the act, in order to maintain the justice and transparency of the process electoral campaign”, appealed the religious leaders.
The Church, according to the Reverend António Mussaqui, began a program of prayers, supplications and intercession in favor of the entire electoral process, covering all stages, from the Official Electoral Registration, the campaign, the day of the election, the publication of the results, as well as the inauguration of the elected President, Vice-President and the members of the National Assembly.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continue to pray, supplicate and intercede for the Angolan nation, in favor of the entire electoral process, until the elected government takes office in peace and with the joy of serving the most “noble” and legitimate interests of all citizens. .
Political party officials reacted to the appeals of religious leaders, made during the ecumenical worship in favor of the elections. The first secretary of the MPLA in Luanda, Bento Bento, praised the churches’ initiative and valued the appeal addressed to competing parties to respect the election results. “With this, democracy and the country win,” he said, urging citizens to turn the elections into a party for democracy. “Those who don’t win, will never lose, because the country is the one that won, due to the fact that we are all children of the same Angola, which must deserve respect from everyone, regardless of whether or not it won the elections”, emphasized the political.
Bento Bento repudiated the behavior of some citizens who show disturbing feelings, highlighting, particularly, by way of example, the “votou sat” movement. In this sense, he recognized the calls for respect for results as timely.
UNITA’s first secretary, Nelito Ekuikui, praised the churches for the initiative. He stressed that there are no grounds for mistrust in relation to the movement of an atmosphere of tranquility during the elections. “We have been at peace for more than 20 years, and therefore I am sure that Angolans will know how to preserve this peace, which has been hard-won”, he declared. The UNITA politician said that the campaign took place in a climate of peace, tranquility and respect, an environment that will turn the vote.
The candidate for President of the Republic by CASA-CE, Manuel Fernandes, said that his presence in the cult reaffirms the coalition’s commitment to peace and stability.
“Throughout the electoral campaign, we preach peace and stability, because what will happen on the 24th is just a page in the various chapters of Angola’s history”, he said, noting that the country will continue after the elections.
Manuel Fernandes appealed to all citizens not to remain in the assemblies after exercising their right to vote.
The former President of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, who is in Angola as part of the electoral observation mission, thanked, in statements to the press, underlined that he found in the country a calm climate, of peace and, therefore, he wants this tranquility to be conserved during voting and after the results are announced.
“May Angolans remain united, may all political parties and organizations continue to collaborate for the success of the elections”, he stressed.
Joaquim Chissano, who expressed satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere in the country, hopes that the prayers will give strength and wisdom to political leaders and citizens to observe civic behavior during the election.
Dialogue Between The MPLA And CASA-CE
candidates The MPLA candidate, João Lourenço, and Manuel Fernandes, from CASA-CE, were the only leaders of political forces competing in the General Elections who were present in the ecumenical cult in favor of and peaceful elections.
Before leaving the 11 de Novembro Stadium, which hosted the thanksgiving service for the elections, MPLA leaders, João Lourenço, and CASA-CE, Ma-nuel Fernandes, exchanged brief words about the political moment.
“We exchanged a few words, and we agreed that, after 1992, these are the most competitive elections and that the only thing lacking was the debate between the candidates”, said Manuel Fernandes, in statements to the press.
Manuel Fernandes underlined that it is intended to build a new country, based on a new reality. “It is essential that everyone waits for the results of the polls, and if I win, I will apply my government program, but if it is the candidate João Lourenço, he will apply the government program”, stressed the politician.
In addition to the two candidates, the Vice-President of the Republic, deputies to the National Assembly, judges, the governor of Luanda, national and international election observers, among other guests, participated in the service.
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