Luanda: The Debate on Citizens and Elections held on Tuesday in Luanda recommended holding periodic civic events to strengthen the legal culture of the academic community and society in general about electoral issues. The event was organized by the Agostinho Neto University and concluded that such activities should be conducted regularly to ensure increased citizen participation in electoral processes.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the final statement of the meeting emphasized the need for pedagogical and didactic mechanisms to inform citizens about the legislative process of elections in Angola. This initiative aims to raise citizens’ awareness and encourage their active participation in voting.
The more than 400 participants, representing various sectors, advocated for studies focusing on the lack of interest in electoral participation among citizens. They called upon institutions responsible for issuing identification documents to accelerate their efforts in overcoming ongoing and persistent co
nstraints.
Participants also suggested the introduction of civic education into academic programs, acknowledging Agostinho Neto University’s initiative in bringing the academic discussion on electoral issues to the public. They recommended that this practice be replicated by other educational and training institutions.
The event was attended by 411 individuals, including teachers, staff, students from various higher education institutions, political parties, religious entities, civic associations, professional associations, representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Angola, and other individuals.
The debate on Citizens and Elections addressed topics such as ‘voter registration and updating the database’, ‘building the database and the importance of citizen participation’, ‘transparency and trust in electoral processes’, ‘electoral bodies and credibility of electoral processes’ and ‘trust as a prerequisite for electoral success’.