In a public statement, the NGO considers that the re-election process of Manuel Pereira da Silva "Manico" for another five years, conducted by the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSMJ), constitutes a violation of the fundamental principles of democracy and impartiality.
Mudei recalls that the president of the National Electoral Commission (CNE), now reappointed, presided over the 2022 general elections "which were the subject of serious allegations of irregularities and fraud".
For the civic organization, its alleged "political ties" to the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) "violates neutrality and integrity" which are non-negotiable prerogatives for holding a position of this magnitude.
"The eventual re-election of this magistrate only solidifies the perception that the CNE operates not as an independent body, but as an extension of the interests of the party in power," the note says.
The CSMJ announced last week that judge Manuel Pereira da Silva was declared the winner of the curriculum competition for president of the CNE, totaling 91 points, and should remain in office for another five years.
Manuel Pereira da Silva beat candidates Rosalino Miguel Domingos and Amélia Cristina Ernesto, who were awarded 48 points and 33 points, respectively.
Seniority in the judiciary, experience in conducting electoral processes, academic training, professional merit and other experiences were the criteria for the competition, according to the final report on the evaluation and verification of applications.
Referring to the guidelines established by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Angolan NGO considers that the CNE "should be a neutral and non-partisan body", ensuring parity in conditions for all those involved in the political spectrum.
The process of his reelection, led by the CSMJ, "which is also widely known as an extension of the MPLA, denotes a clear lack of impartiality and a disregard for principles of legality", he states.
The Movimento Cívico Mudei also states that it does not recognize Judge Manuel Pereira da Silva as president of the CNE, that his continuation in office "is incompatible" with the holding of free and fair elections and urges civil society, churches and political parties to "join forces against this affront to democracy".
The parliamentary group of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) asked the Constitutional Court on Monday to annul the contest that re-elected Manuel Pereira da Silva as president of the CNE, alleging a violation of the principles of legality and impartiality.
Manuel Pereira da Silva has presided over the CNE since February 19, 2020 and, in the last general elections, in 2022, his "suitability" was challenged by several political parties and civil society organizations.
