Luanda, 04/08 – Angolan head of State, José Eduardo dos Santos, Monday in Luanda, appealed to the citizens, political parties and coalitions to keep a responsible attitude during the electoral campaign and voting, observing the law and established order.

In a message to the Nation in the eve of the start of the electoral campaign, on Tuesday, for the September 5 legislative elections, the head of State spoke of the need for the campaign and the voting to go in an environment of civility.

"Angola can set an example to our continent and the world in general, on the way of holding democratic, free and transparent elections,” said the president, who reiterated the call for all parties involved in the process not to succumb to provocation.

"We will frustrate the expectations of those that, without any ground, are saying we might experience an environment of insecurity and destabilisation,” stressed the president, adding that the forces of public order are taking the necessary measures to guarantee tranquillity and security during the whole electoral process.

According to head of State, there are no reasons for pessimistic and defeatist thoughts as, he added, "we are a peaceful, freedom loving people who is conscious that the great conquests in the political, economic and social domains can only be achieved in peace, stability and social concord.”

According to the president of the Republic, the electoral campaign should not go under a climate of violence. “In this competition there are no enemies, there are political opponents only, with different programmes and political propositions that will seek to attract the highest number of votes to conquer the power and exert it with legitimacy,” he stressed.

In the message to the Nation, the head of State considers that each party must only use the “weapon of ideas” to convince the electorate, while the voting citizens will have their vote as a “weapon” to choose whoever they please, within the framework of the laws in force in the country.

In this period of electoral campaign, the head of State said, everyone must continue to maintain tranquillity and an attitude of respect and tolerance concerning differences of opinions, as maintenance of a serene and peaceful environment contributes for the success of elections and guarantees that each voter makes his choice in a responsible way.

"Free, fair and competitive elections demand that all forms of intimidation, provocation, violation of rights and political destabilisation be rejected,” José Eduardo dos Santos said.

The head of State also expressed the wish that the electoral campaign go with respect, honesty and freedom so “we can contribute for the true clarification of the citizens, for national unity and social cohesion.

"If the political parties respect the legal norms in force, during their electoral activity, we will all win and contribute for the construction of our dreams. I am sure that this is how Angola can win,” stated the president.

In the electoral campaign starting on Tuesday, the political parties and coalition will be entitled to a radio and tv broadcasting time to air their messages and put forward their governing programmes and respective electoral manifestos.

Regarding this, the president of the Republic considers that the voters will have enough time to analyse and meditate on the programmes and projects presented to them and, in a free and conscious manner, make the choice that meet their ideas, aspirations and political convictions.

President José Eduardo dos Santos recalled that on September 5, starting from 7:00 am, there will be 12,400 voting stations throughout the national territory, with each having up to as many as four booths, so all duly registered Angolans can enjoy their civic right to vote in an organised, calm and peaceful way.

"This moment represents an unprecedented step towards the normalisation of the country’s political and institutional life and for improvement of the lawful and democratic State,” he asserted, stating that now on, legislative elections will be held regularly, with periodical renewal every four years, as established by the Constitution.

"We have fought a lot to reach this point and all of us, with no exception, have accepted sacrifices in favour of the stability of the country and its territorial integrity,” added the head of State, recalling that from the first general elections of 1992, the country was progressively moving towards political normalcy, at times slower and some times faster, overcoming all hindrances.

"We have secured the regular functioning of the State institutions, the performance of the organs of the Government, the satisfaction of the collective needs and the protection, respect and dignity of the citizens,” recalled the president, before adding that the achievement of peace, in 2002, opened a new prospect for Angola.

"It permitted the reunification of the large Angolan family and the holding of the process of pacification and national reconciliation of which we are all proud today,” he said, pointing that the elections are the culmination of a long process and permit the full affirmation of citizenship of all Angolans in voting age.