Adalberto Costa Júnior claims the nation's founding document is undemocratic and risks future unrest.
Angola's constitution is "atypical" and "not democratic," risking instability, according to Adalberto Costa Júnior, leader of the UNITA opposition party. He criticized the current constitutional framework for suppressing direct presidential elections, stating that the ruling MPLA fears allowing citizens to vote directly for the president. Costa Júnior argued that the president is elected indirectly through the National Assembly, raising questions about the independence of sovereign bodies.
Costa Júnior explained that the constitution creates instability because a single ballot elects both the president and National Assembly deputies. This, he contends, limits the application and respect for law. The current constitution states the presidential candidate heading the list of the most voted political party or coalition in general elections becomes president. Angola is expected to hold general elections in 2027.
The UNITA president highlighted that the current president, João Lourenço, is in the final year of his second term and constitutionally barred from a third. Costa Júnior insisted on the need for the country to adopt a "pact for stability," suggesting that Angola would only be a true rule of law if it were different from its current state. He also stated his party opposes any constitutional review aimed at extending presidential terms.
Why it mattersThe UNITA leader's statements suggest potential political instability due to the undemocratic nature of the constitution, which could affect governance and future elections.
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