On September 5, the people of Angola went to the polls for the first time in 16 years to vote for a new parliament. NDI, IRI, and IFES have been working in Angola for many years providing support to civil society organizations, political parties, and election officials as they prepared to engage in this historic election process. While the 1992 elections reignited decades of conflict in Angola, the 2008 polls unfolded in a generally peaceful environment much to the credit of citizens who came out in large numbers to vote and of political parties that encouraged their members to adhere to a strict code of conduct. However, international and domestic observers reported that there were logistical and organizational challenges and procedural inconsistencies, particularly in the capital. The ruling Movement for the Popular Liberation of Angola (MPLA) won 82 percent of the vote while the main opposition party, the Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), won 10 percent, altering the balance of power in the country.

During the briefing, speakers will share their assessments of the parliamentary elections and their thoughts on democratic development in Angola.

To RSVP, please contact Jennifer Heetner via phone at (202) 728-5617 or

by email [3].

Event Date and Time:
Sept. 26, 2008, from 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Panelists:

• Isabel Emerson
  Resident Country Director, Angola, National Democratic Institute (NDI)

• Lauren Oing
  Program Officer, Africa programs, International Republican Institute (IRI)

• Anne Salinas
  Acting Regional Director, Africa programs, IFES

Street Address:
National Democratic Institute
2030 M St., N.W.
5th Floor (map [4])
Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle or Farragut North (Red), Foggy Bottom or Farragut West (Blue/Orange)