Luanda: The jurists Am©lia Augusta Varela and Emiliana Margareth Morais Nanga Covie were approved on Tuesday, Feb 11, by the specialty commissions of the National Assembly (AN) in Luanda to occupy the two vacant seats in the plenary of the Constitutional Court (TC).

According to Angola Press News Agency, the proposals presented by the MPLA (Ruling party) and UNITA (Largest opposition party) received unanimous approval from the deputies of the 1st and 4th committees of the Angolan parliament. If confirmed in the final global vote in the next plenary session of the National Assembly, the jurists will replace judges Maria Almeida Sango, whose term has ended, and Josefa dos Santos Neto, who has retired.

Speaking to the press, Deputy Paulo de Carvalho mentioned that the candidates are set to be elected in next week's plenary session. He emphasized their years of experience as a key factor in ensuring competent work in their new roles. In addition, Deputy Ol­vio Kilundo acknowledged that the candidates are well-prepared for the responsibilities they have been nominated for.

The Constitutional Court is composed of 11 judges, including jurists and magistrates, appointed by the Head of State, who appoints four judges including the TC's presiding judge. Four judges are elected by the National Assembly by a two-thirds majority of the deputies currently in office, which includes the TC's deputy-chair. Two judges are elected by the Superior Council of the Judiciary, and one is selected through a public curricular competition, in line with the Law. The judges serve a non-renewable seven-year term.