Angola postpones elections to 2010

Angola’s move to hold its elections this year are doubtful following the absence of a Constitution. Media reports in the rich oil nation said the country’s body in charge of drafting a new constitution said preparations of the document would take longer than expected.

“After this, it is clear that there will be no time for elections to be held this year,” Angola’s economist and political analyst Justino Pinto de Andrade said.

The country’s constitution was due before September 23. A Reuters report quoted the country’s ruling MPLA party as saying that the presidential elections will only take place after the new constitution has been approved.

Among others the new constitution is expected to decide whether the president is elected through Parliament or by popular vote as is currently the case. The Constitution will also play a role to pave way for multi-billion dollar deals in the country.

Angola is sub-Saharan Africa‘s largest oil producer, reaching two million barrels a day. It is also OPEC’s newest member. Angola’s current president is Jose Eduardo dos Santos who is 67 years and won the first round of the country’s presidential elections in 1992.

The country which has made a tremendous growth over the years is also expected to host the African Cup of Nations in 2010.

 Source: Attila Éliás

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