Marcy Lopes: logistics for local authorities only from September 2022

"The forecast is that the entire material process of preparing the conditions will be completed by September of next year and, in theory, after the entire material process is ready, elections can be called at any time as long as there is legislation to that effect, but it is recommended that there be political agreement on how the elections should take place," said Marcy Lopes, in an interview with Lusa agency, in Lisbon.

At issue is the logistical preparation that will have to be completed before it is possible to hold local elections and guarantee the permanence of those elected, explained the minister.

"On the material level, a series of tasks are being carried out to allow the implementation of local authorities; the Integrated Plan for Intervention in Municipalities provides for the creation of infrastructure, various education, health and municipal infrastructure buildings", recalled Marcy Lopes, adding that "at the same time, administrative residential complexes are being built that will serve as accommodation for people who go to work in these more distant places".

In an interview with Lusa in Lisbon, where he is leading the delegation that monitors the implementation of the electoral process of the Angolan diaspora, which for the first time will vote in the general elections, the minister also considered that it is desirable to have an agreement with other political forces on the elections councils.

"Consensus has taken place in the National Assembly, but obviously there are matters where consensus does not prevail, but the path is made by walking and we expect that all consensus can be reached so that in the end the country wins with this process" , he stated.

Asked about the evolution of the political situation, namely about a possible increase in popular discontent that leads to a strengthening of the opposition, the official downplayed the issue, saying that this is democracy at work.

"It's democracy, in democratic systems there are those who are pleased and those who are displeased, but those who govern must know that their actions will be the target of criticism and know how to live with it and satisfy collective needs", he replied, adding: "The people are always demanding more, it's their job, the opposition will criticize because it wants to be in power, and whoever won the elections must govern and work to improve the conditions of the people."

On the fact that Angola will predictably register in 2021 the sixth year of negative economic growth, Marcy Lopes pointed out that given the more than 5 percent decline in 2020, an economic expansion close to zero is a positive evolution: "All improvement is good, significant or not significant, as long as it is to improve economic stability, which allows attracting investment and conveying a message of confidence to investors and the global community, any improvement will be a gain for the country."