VICTORY SMELLS FOR ANGOLAN PARTY THAT HAS RULED 50 YEARS
Angola’s governing party, the MPLA – in power since independence nearly 50 years ago – appears close to winning another term, as the counting of votes in Thursday’s elections enter its final stages.
The National Election Commission said President João Lourenço’s party was holding on to its tally of more than 52%, with its long-time rivals, Unita, trailing with just under 43%.
The streets have remained calm, although earlier on Wednesday police used tear gas to disperse pro-opposition youths in the capital, Luanda.
Analysts say the results were likely to be closer than in previous elections, with many Angolans frustrated that only the elite has benefitted from the country’s oil wealth.