Huambo - Religious leaders in Huambo Province on Wednesday praised the organization and the serene environment in which the voting process is taking place.
Speaking to ANGOP after casting their ballots, some voters were unanimous in saying that voting is the main manifesto of the people, hence the reason why it should be carried out with civility, responsibility and harmony, to show the world the existing democratic coexistence among Angolans.
Religious leaders recommended political forces contesting the general elections, to trust in the credibility and transparency of the results and respect it, regardless of who wins, to maintain the civic spirit and peace among Angolans.
The secretary of the Evangelical Congregational Church of Angola (IECA) in Huambo, Pastor Gilberto Jamba Ndunduma, praised the organization and serenity with which the voting process was conducted.
"Scrupulous compliance with the law is important, both by the National Electoral Commission and by the competitors and voting citizens, so that the elections take place in a peace and calm environment", the pastor said.
The pastor underlined that Angolans have, with this election, the opportunity to demonstrate democratic maturity and the culture of peace to the whole world, based on Christian principles.
The president of the Southwest Angola Union of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Manuel Filipe, on his turn, advised voters, especially "those voting for the first time," to take into account the collective interest, from the perspective of promoting the common welfare.
"Voters should, first of all, reflect and be aware that the general elections are above any personal interest, hence the responsible choice of the future President of the Republic, the Vice-President and the 220 deputies to the National Assembly", Filipe said.
"We want a celebration of democracy that takes place in a climate of peace and harmony, based on biblical principles and love for the neighbour, especially because the majority of Angolans profess Christianity’’, the pastor added.
Pastor Carlos Chiliva, of the First Baptist Church in Huambo, called for unity and reconciliation of Angolans, regardless of the election results that reflect the wishes of Angolans and, above all, the will of God.
He also advised the forces of defence, security and internal order to act according to the law and to guarantee the tranquility of the members of the polling stations, the voters and the population in general.
Huambo Povince registered 1.1 million voters distributed in 1,015 polling stations.
Competing are the political parties MPLA, UNITA, PRS, FNLA, PHA, APN, P-NJANGO and the CASA-CE coalition.
