According to a statement from the National Assembly, that VerAngola had access to, the new composition and functioning of the National Electoral Commission (CNE) were approved by parliamentarians.
"The National Assembly approved, by consensus, this Thursday, in a Joint Meeting on the Specialized Working Committees, the articles of the proposed and draft Amendment Law on the Composition and Functioning of the National Electoral Commission (CNE)," the statement reads.
Although the debate began with opposing views, parliamentarians reached a political agreement, unanimously approving the document.
"The deputies began discussions of the legislative initiatives with views considered 'antagonistic,' but these were harmonized through political agreement, resulting in the approval of the points unanimously, with 56 votes in favor," the statement reads.
According to the National Assembly, "one of the main new features introduced in the new law is the inclusion of up to three accredited national election observers, who will now attend the CNE's plenary meetings, especially during the period from the start of the election campaign until the announcement of the final results."
"The observers will be appointed from among themselves, in accordance with current legislation, and aim to strengthen the transparency and credibility of the electoral process," the parliament adds.
"Provisions were also approved that strengthen the access of commissioners, representatives, permanent assistants, and observers to the counting and dispatch centers, ensuring their presence from the beginning of the election observation until the official publication of the results", as well as "a new chapter on the structure and personnel of the CNE, including contractual leadership positions, based on applicable legislation," was also created.
"The commission's responsibilities were adjusted, with some specific responsibilities transferred to the plenary, ensuring greater coherence and transparency in its internal operations," the note adds.
The vote was governed by the criterion of approving only "points that achieved consensus," and "proposals that did not achieve agreement among the proponents were considered withdrawn, in order to preserve the spirit of convergence."
Representative Milonga Bernardo, rapporteur of the executive initiative, "considered the moment a milestone for Angolan democracy, having, in general terms, praised the environment of dialogue and institutional maturity."
According to the representative, "history" was made: "Today, once again, Angolans made history through their representatives. We went from two initial conflicting views to consensus built on the republican spirit, always seeking the best solutions for the country."
In the session, coordinated by the Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs (1st CTE), with the participation of the 4th and 10th Committees, "also competent in terms of the subject matter," there was a unanimous vote on practically all points.
Once the discussions and voting on the diplomas have been completed, "the committees will dedicate the next few days to voting on the Joint Reports and Opinions (RPC), in the specialty, with a view to the final global vote."
