Higino Carneiro, a pre-candidate for the leadership of Angola's MPLA party, has stated that he may challenge the party's electoral process if his candidacy is not accepted. In a press conference in Luanda, Carneiro, a former general, reaffirmed his intention to contest the decision that invalidated his candidacy for the MPLA presidency. He warned that he could proceed with an impugnation of the process, which could have consequences for the party's IX Ordinary Congress, scheduled for December 9-10.
Carneiro revealed that he submitted three requests to the Constitutional Court on September 15, related to his candidacy process, including requests for clarification, falsity, and nullity. He aims to exhaust all available mechanisms of appeal as a militant and member of the MPLA Central Committee. This move comes after the Constitutional Court deemed his precautionary measure to suspend the decision invalidating his candidacy as unfounded.
The MPLA's Sub-Commission for Candidatures rejected Carneiro's candidacy, citing alleged irregularities in the subscription forms and documentation presented. According to the MPLA, 14,493 forms were counted, with 2,561 deemed valid, 9,659 invalid, and 2,273 considered false. Carneiro disputes these conclusions and argues that his candidacy should be allowed to confront the elements used to justify the decision.
The Constitutional Court did not decide on the merits of all issues related to the validity of Carneiro's candidacy. Most judges believed that the MPLA's internal mechanisms were still ongoing. Carneiro maintains that he still believes in the good sense and dialogue within the party. He emphasized that he does not intend to harm the MPLA but rather contribute to internal debate and the functioning of mechanisms provided for in the statutes.
Despite admitting the possibility of challenging the electoral process, Carneiro expressed his preference for a solution through dialogue and party structures. He stated that a just decision from any of the internal or external review bodies would help avoid a potential impugnation of the process. Carneiro also mentioned that he has not met with João Lourenço since June 2, 2025, when he informed the current MPLA president of his intention to run for the party leadership.
The MPLA's IX Ordinary Congress is scheduled for December 9-10, 2026. The party's electoral process remains subject to internal mechanisms of complaint and appeal provided for in the statutes. Carneiro's statements have added to the internal turmoil within the party, with some members potentially challenging the leadership.
The developments within the MPLA have raised concerns about the party's stability and potential impact on the country's politics. As the IX Ordinary Congress approaches, the party's leadership and members will need to address the ongoing disputes and ensure a smooth transition of power. The outcome of Carneiro's impugnation threat and the party's internal mechanisms will be closely watched by Angolans and international observers.
Key points
- Higino Carneiro may challenge MPLA's electoral process if his candidacy is not accepted
- Carneiro disputes MPLA's decision to invalidate his candidacy, citing alleged irregularities
- MPLA's IX Ordinary Congress scheduled for December 9-10, 2026, amidst internal turmoil
