Africa-Press – Angola. Angolan National Assembly on Thursday rejected the draft law on the Exercise of Democratic Opposition, presented by the UNITA (largest opposition party) Parliamentary Group.
The bill aimed to regulate and guarantee the exercise of the right to democratic opposition, focusing on the defense of citizens’ rights, the Constitution, laws and the general interest, through the actions of political parties as permanent and autonomous organizations, guided towards participation in the country’s political life.
With this proposal, UNITA intended to strengthen the legal framework relating to the exercise of fundamental rights, encompassing parties with or without parliamentary seats.
The party also expressed its intention to continue presenting legislative initiatives in this area, based on the Constitution of the Republic of Angola (CRA).
In statements to the press, the ruling MPLA Member of Parliament (MP) Santiago Primeiro explained that his parliamentary group voted against the proposal because it considers that it contains provisions that are inconsistent with the Constitution.
According to the parliamentarian, some solutions presented in the legislation taints fundamental principles, such as sovereignty, by suggesting mechanisms that could constitute a “cohabitation government,” assigning governance responsibilities to political forces without an electoral mandate to do so.
The MP added that the proposal enshrines rights already provided for in the legal system and includes measures considered disproportionate, which could affect citizens’ fundamental freedom.
Santiago Primeiro also stated that the MPLA understands that there is no legislative vacuum in this matter, since the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, the Electoral Law and other legal instruments already establish mechanisms for the exercise of parliamentary opposition.
For these reasons, he concluded, the parliamentary group voted against the bill, considering it unnecessary and potentially detrimental to political stability and government efficiency.
The proposal was rejected with 96 votes against, 79 in favor and 2 abstentions.
Also, on Thursday (23), MPLA MP Nani Vontade replaced MP Erika de Carvalho Aires, who currently holds the position of Minister of Education.
In turn, MP Benedito Narciso took his seat in the National Assembly after ceasing his duties as governor of the province of Cuanza-Sul.The plenary session resumes Friday for the voting of other bills.
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