WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Chairman of the SFRC Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health Policy, today introduced a Senate resolution calling for free, fair, and peaceful elections in Angola on August 24. In addition to urging the Government of Angola to take specific steps to ensure the credibility of the upcoming election, the resolution also calls for the United States to hold accountable any actor who subverts the electoral process.

“According to Freedom House, Angola is ‘not free’ – with a history of repressing democratic freedoms,” said Senator Cardin. “Our resolution calls on the government of Angola to break away from its historic repression and hold free, fair, and peaceful elections later this month.”

 “After enduring decades of autocratic rule and mismanagement of state resources by one man and one party, Angolans deserve a chance to institutionalize the practice of choosing their own leaders through a free and fair process,” said Chairman Menendez. “Regardless of who wins this election, I call on all political actors to work together to develop and implement reforms that will deliver greater government transparency, prosperity, equality, and liberty for the Angolan people.”

“Angola has been ruled by one party since itsindependence, and the upcoming elections have already been marred by attempts to silence and intimidate opposition parties. We urge all parties involved to act in the best interests of the people of Angola and to give all Angolans an opportunity to finally have their voices heard through a free, fair, and credible democratic process,” said Senator Van Hollen.

Find a copy of the resolution HERE.