Angolan national assembly: The 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 sought to regulate and guarantee the exercise of the right to democratic opposition, focusing on defending citizens' rights, the Constitution, laws, and the general interest, through the actions of political parties as permanent and autonomous organizations involved in the country's political life.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the proposal was intended by UNITA to enhance the legal framework regarding the exercise of fundamental rights, including those of parties with or without parliamentary seats. The party also expressed its commitment to continue proposing legislative initiatives in this domain, grounded in the Constitution of the Republic of Angola (CRA).

In comments to the press, Santiago Primeiro, a Member of Parliament from the ruling MPLA, clarified that his parliamentary group opposed the proposal due to inconsistencies with the Constitution. He pointed out that certain elements of the legislation infringe on fundamental principles, such as sovereignty, by proposing mechanisms that could lead to a "cohabitation government," thereby assigning governance duties to political forces lacking an electoral mandate.

The MP further argued that the proposal reiterates rights already present in the legal system and incorporates measures viewed as excessive, potentially impacting citizens' fundamental freedoms. Santiago Primeiro stressed that the MPLA believes there is no legislative gap in this area, as the Constitution, the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, the Electoral Law, and other legal instruments already provide mechanisms for parliamentary opposition.

Consequently, the parliamentary group deemed the bill unnecessary and potentially harmful to political stability and government functionality, leading to its rejection with 96 votes against, 79 in favor, and 2 abstentions.

Additionally, on the same day, MPLA MP Nani Vontade replaced MP Erika de Carvalho Aires, who has assumed the role of Minister of Education. Meanwhile, MP Benedito Narciso took his seat in the National Assembly after stepping down as governor of the province of Cuanza-Sul. The plenary session will resume on Friday to vote on other bills.

Source: Angola Press News Agency