Electoral/Political Party Reform – 1992
1992
The Bicesse Accords called for general elections to be held from September 1-November 30, 1992. The President of Angola, Jose Eduardo dos Santos, announced on April 2 that general elections would take place on September 29 and 30.1 UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi formally accepted this timeline on April 5, 1992.2 The date was formalized through a presidential decree issued on July 17.3 On April 16, 1992, the Supreme Court of Angola formally granted legal status to UNITA.4 The general elections for presidential and parliamentary representatives began, as scheduled, on September 29, 1992,5 and continued on September 30.6 Since no presidential candidate earned a simple majority of votes, Electoral Law required a run-off election within 30 days of the election results announcement.7 However, no run-off election occurred in 1992, as widespread violence resumed in October following the first round of election results. On December 10, UNITA agreed to join the parliament and cabinet in accordance with the election results.8
1 “Angola sets general election data,” Xinhua General News Service, April 2, 1992.
2 “UNITA accepts Angola’s general election timetable,” Xinhua General News Service, April 5, 1992.
3 “Angola formalizes date for elections,” Xinhua General News Service, July 17, 1992.
4 “Opposition parties granted legal status in Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, April 16, 1992.
5 “General elections kick off in Angola,” Xinhua General News Service, September 29, 1992.
6 “Angola’s first ever multiparty elections enters second day,” United Press International, September 30, 1992.
7 “Further Report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Angola Verification Mission (UNAVEM II),” UN Security Council, November 25, 1992.
8 “UNITA joins new government, parliament, national army,” Xinhua General News Service, December 10, 1992.
9 “Angola command for new integrated army takes up its duties,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, January 13, 1992.