PRESIDENT'S SPEECH KICKS OFF OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LUANDA 000595 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM AO SUBJECT: PRESIDENT'S SPEECH KICKS OFF OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN PERIOD ¶1. (U) In a nationally-broadcast speech to mark the launch of the official 30-day campaign period for the September 5 legislative elections, Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos lauded how the "achievement of peace" has allowed the country to consolidate its political institutions, and pledged to hold future legislative elections every four years. Striking notes that were noticeably non-partisan, he appealed to all citizens and political parties running in the election to reject violence and inflammatory dialogue. ¶2. (SBU) Political parties also readied themselves to launch their campaigns. The 30-day campaign period will include 10 minutes of daily airtime on state-controlled national radio and 5 minutes on national television; most small parties, short on funds for materials and rallies, are counting on this time to spread their message. Observers predict that state-controlled media outlets will continue to devote the majority of their news broadcast time to stories on the progress of national reconstruction and MPLA campaign activities. ¶3. (SBU) For its part, the MPLA distributed copies of its three-year governance plan and electoral manifesto to the diplomatic community on August 4th. Paulo Jorge, the MPLA's International Relations Secretary, told assembled diplomats that the MPLA is so confident of its victory that it wants other governments to know in advance what the GRA's priorities will be for the next four years. While the party's highest priority is passing a new constitution, he also noted the MPLA's pledge to reduce unemployment, control inflation, continue national reconstruction, and promote agriculture. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: The President's speech was well-received locally, and sets high expectations for a peaceful campaign period. Though Dos Santos is also the MPLA party president, the party's expectation for a wide margin of victory allows him to "be presidential" and remain above the fray. Despite the high rhetoric, the ruling party will continue to use its near total media control to blanket voters with information on MPLA-driven progress and plans. END COMMENT ¶5. (U) Informal translation of the President's speech follows: Angolan people, dear fellow citizens, Tomorrow marks the start of the electoral campaign for the political parties and coalitions that will compete for the 220 seats in the National Assembly in the September 5, 2008 legislative elections. These parties and coalitions will have airtime on national radio and television to present their messages, plans for governance and party platforms. Voters will have sufficient time to analyze and think about the programs and projects presented and afterwards, in a free and informed manner, choose that which best corresponds to their personal ideas, desires and political convictions. On September 5th, starting at 7 in the morning, we will have 12,400 voting stations open throughout the country. Each voting station will have up to four voting tables, so that all Angolans properly registered to vote will be able to exercise their civic right to vote in an organized, tranquil and peaceful way. This moment represents an unprecedented step in the consolidation of political and institutional life in our country and consolidation of democratic rule of law. From here on out, legislative elections will be organized regularly, held once every four years, as established by Constitutional Law. We fought hard to get to this point and everyone, without exception, made sacrifices in favor of stability for our country and its territorial integrity. Since the first elections in 1992 we have always moved towards political normalcy - sometimes slower, sometimes faster - overcoming all the difficulties that we met along the way. We ensured the regular functioning of state institutions, the performance of the organs of government, the satisfaction of collective needs, and the protection, respect and dignity of citizens. The achievement of peace, in 2002, opened new doors for Angola. It permitted the reunion of the grand Angolan family and the realization of the process of national pacification and reconciliation, of which we are all proud today. These elections are the culmination of this long process, and permit the fulfillment of the rights of Angolans citizens of LUANDA 00000595 002 OF 002 voting age. Dear fellow citizens, in this campaign period we should continue to maintain tranquility and an attitude of respect and tolerance in relation to opinions that might be different from ours. The maintenance of a serene and pacific environment supports the success of the elections and guarantees that each voter makes his choice in a responsible manner. Free, just and competitive elections demand the rejection of all forms of intimidation, insult, violation of rights, and political destabilization. I appeal to all citizens, political parties, and coalitions to maintain a responsible posture, respecting law and public order, so that the electoral campaign and election day can unfold with high standards of civility. Angola can give an example to our continent, and the world in general, about the way to conduct democratic, free, and transparent elections. We shouldn't yield to provocations. We are going to thwart the predictions of those who, without any foundation, assert that we might experience a climate of insecurity and instability. Law enforcement officials are taking preventive measures to guarantee tranquility and security throughout the electoral process. There are no reasons for us to feed any pessimistic or defeatist thought. We are a pacific people and lovers of liberty. The people are aware that big achievements in political, economic and social realms are only achieved in peace, stability and social harmony. The electoral campaign should not take place under a banner of violence. In this competition there are no enemies, there are only political adversaries, with different platforms and proposals, which will work to capture the largest number of votes in order to win power and exercise it with legitimacy. Each party should only utilize the weapon of its ideas in order to convince the electorate, and voters will have as their weapon their vote to choose whom they like, as established by laws in effect in the country. Thus may the electoral campaign be conducted under a banner of respect, honesty and liberty, so that it contributes to the true enlightenment of citizens, and to national unity and social cohesion. If the political parties respect the legal norms in effect in the conduct of their campaigns, all of us will be winners in constructing the democratic country of our dreams. I am certain that this is what will happen and that Angola will prevail. Long live Angola! Thank you. End informal translation MOZENA