Luanda - Angola's National Electoral Commission (CNE) will coordinate the observation mission of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in the general elections to take place in October in Mozambique, its chairman, Manuel Pereira da Silva said Monday in Luanda.
Speaking at the CNE's 19th anniversary, Manuel da Silva said the mission represents a unique opportunity to “reaffirm our commitment to the SADC principles, values and guidelines governing democratic elections”.
In the context of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), he said that the body will also be part of the mission of the Network of Jurisdictional Bodies and Electoral Administration (ROJAE), which will play a crucial role in electoral observation, promoting the sharing of good practices and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
“We believe that cooperation between CPLP countries in ROJAE is essential for building a future where electoral processes are inclusive and transparent,” he said.
Commitment to democracy
Manuel Pereira da Silva said the celebration of the 19th anniversary of the CNE represents, in addition to the commitment to democracy, the reaffirmation of the guarantee of free, fair and transparent electoral processes, in accordance with internationally accepted standards.
Silva added that despite the country's financial hardships, the CNE's activity plan for 2024 is being implemented.
He said the implementation of the planned tasks is a clear demonstration of the commitment to continuous improvement in the organization, execution, coordination and conduct of electoral processes, always seeking improvement and innovation.
Silva highlighted the participation of the CNE in various international electoral observation missions, conferences, seminars and meetings, as a member of the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum and within the scope of ROJAE-CPLP.
The CNE chairperson stressed the need to exploit new technologies to improve the efficiency and integrity of electoral processes.
He acknowledged the ethical challenges that the use of artificial intelligence can bring, especially with regard to data protection and the manipulation of public opinion.
The 19th anniversary of the CNE was marked by the presentation of its Newsletter and the awarding of honors to the longest-serving officials and employees committed to the body's mission and values. LDN/DC/AMP
