The MPLA's Central Committee has approved João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço's candidacy for party president, ahead of the 2026 Ordinary Congress. This decision was made during the Extraordinary Central Committee meeting, held at the Belas Conference Centre in Luanda. The meeting evaluated and approved the National Preparatory Commission's report on the candidacy process and the resolution on João Lourenço's candidacy.
The approval of Lourenço's candidacy comes after the MPLA's Candidatures Subcommittee declared António Venâncio's process null due to insufficient valid subscriptions. According to Job Capapinha, the subcommittee's coordinator, only 459 out of 2,918 counted fichas were validated, falling short of the 5,000 required by the congress regulations. This development solidifies Lourenço's position as the sole validated candidate for the party presidency.
Earlier, in July, Francisco Higino Lopes Carneiro's candidacy was also deemed null following irregularities identified by the Candidatures Subcommittee. Out of 14,493 fichas counted, 2,561 were deemed valid, 9,659 were non-valid, and 2,273 were classified as false. In October, the Central Committee upheld the decision, initiated disciplinary proceedings, and communicated the facts to the Attorney General's Office, citing signs of document forgery.
With the exclusion of António Venâncio's and Higino Carneiro's candidacies, João Lourenço is now the only validated candidate for the MPLA presidency. During the same meeting, the party's highest organ reaffirmed its recognition and support for Lourenço's leadership, highlighting his commitment to consolidating party unity and cohesion, as well as addressing the MPLA's political and organizational challenges.
The Central Committee also emphasized the importance of Angolan citizens' conscious and active participation in the country's political and civic life, particularly among the youth. The committee stressed the significance of the unofficial electoral registration, in view of the 2027 General Elections. This appeal is part of the MPLA's efforts to promote civic engagement and encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote.
On the occasion of Angola's 51st Independence Anniversary, which is celebrated on November 11, the Central Committee congratulated the Angolan people and paid tribute to the heroes and combatants of the national liberation struggle. The party highlighted the values of patriotism, peace, reconciliation, and national unity, considering them essential for the country's development and stability.
The MPLA's Central Committee meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting unity, cohesion, and active citizenship within the party and among Angolans. As the party prepares for the 2026 Ordinary Congress, João Lourenço's approved candidacy sets the stage for the next phase of the MPLA's internal processes. The party's focus on promoting civic engagement and encouraging youth participation underscores its efforts to remain relevant and connected to the Angolan people.
Key points
- The MPLA's Central Committee approved João Lourenço's candidacy for party president.
- António Venâncio's and Higino Carneiro's candidacies were declared null due to irregularities.
- The party emphasized the importance of civic engagement and youth participation in the 2027 General Elections.
