Legislative elections take place

Legislative elections took place in Angola on 5 September 2008. Approximately 8 million registered voters went to the polls beginning at 0700 local time; however, technical problems delayed the opening of several polling stations in Luanda by three hours. Polling stations were set to close at 1800 local time, but election officials indicated that they would remain open longer due to the morning delays. The ruling Movement for the Popular Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the main opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), were the primary parties competing for the 220 seats in Parliament; 12 other parties also fielded candidates. The MPLA is expected to win the majority of seats; official results are expected within the next week. No violence was reported during voting. The election was the first in Angola since 1992; a presidential election is expected in 2009.