Greetings!

I am the Executive Director at Friends of Angola, an advocacy-based organization focused on human rights, transparency, and good governance in Angola. I am writing to bring your attention to support the U.S. Senate resolution calling on the Government of Angola to hold free, fair, and peaceful elections on August 24, 2022. The resolution is led by U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the SFRC Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy.

The approval of this resolution will foster conditions for fair competition among all political parties during the election campaign to avoid acts of electoral fraud, subversion, violence, and intimidation. Ultimately the goal of the resolution is to guarantee a peaceful pre and post-election period as a valid symbol of democratic principles.

Without the participation of credible international observers, the August 24 elections risk having similar outcomes as all others held in Angola under the strict control of the current ruling party for its unlawful advantages.

Thus, the resolution foresees that international observers help the Angolan people express their will in the election and support an independent press that can report without fear and with facts. An election in which the votes are counted truthfully will deter the political and social tensions that plague the county and limit political corruption that intrudes on the hope for a democratic process. A resolution from the U.S. Senate carries hope and encouragement for Angolan voters and all the democratic countries around the world to use their right to vote.

We endorse Sen. Menendez, Cardin, and Hollen’s resolution on behalf of our organization and would like to advocate for your office to sign on it.

Please contact Florindo ([email protected] ) for more information. The full text of the resolution is attached.

Sincerely,

Florindo Chivucute

Executive Director

Friends of Angola