Africa-Press – Angola. The traditional authorities of Cuanhama municipality, Cunene province, were informed, Tuesday, in Ondjiva, about electoral infractions, within the framework of the General Elections of 24 August.
The clarification took place during a lecture on “The Electoral Infringement in the Light of the Organic Law on General Elections in Angola, promoted by the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) in Cunene.
On the occasion, the Public Prosecutor at the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) in Cunene, Fernando Miguel, warned that violations are punishable by prison sentences, ranging from three to eight years, as well as fines. He highlighted that the most common crimes committed during campaigns are electoral corruption, promises of financial aid, persuasion of potential voters not to vote for that or this party, among others.
The magistrate warned citizens not to vote more than once, as it constitutes a crime, whose penalty ranges from six months to two years in prison and a fine corresponding to one million kwanzas. “We think it’s good to share this matter with the authorities of traditional power that have the “power to influence” and disseminate messages in the community about the rules of the game of elections and the consequences of possible violations”, said the magistrate. The Public Prosecutor at the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC) in Cunene, Fernando Miguel, said he believed that the authorities could help the population to accept these rules on the basis of good civic behavior, during the exercise of the right to vote.
Fernando Miguel appealed to political parties, citizens and those responsible for public and private institutions to avoid practices that violate the law, as elections are a celebration of democracy.
The king of Oukwanhama, Jerónimo Haleinge, highlighted the initiative of the PGR and the Municipal Administration of Cuanhama, which provided the authorities of traditional power with valuable information. Jerónimo Haleinge stressed that they will try to convey to the population so that they can have an idea of how to proceed so as not to run the risk of committing electoral crimes and, thus, exercise their civic right on the basis of honesty and transparency.
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