The 9th ordinary congress of Angola's MPLA party is set to take place on December 9-10, 2026, in Luanda, under the theme "MPLA 70 years - Commitment to the People, Confidence in the Future". As part of the party's organic process, provincial committees have been holding extraordinary plenary sessions. These sessions have seen a mixed approach to the continuity of second secretaries, with some being re-elected and others being replaced.
In Luanda, Ermelindo Pereira was re-elected as second secretary with 213 votes in favor, achieving unanimity. However, in other provinces such as Cabinda and Huambo, changes occurred with the election of new second secretaries. Justino Camota took over as second secretary in Huambo, replacing Adérito Chimuco Samucambo. Similarly, in Cabinda, Ernesto Barros André was elected to the position, succeeding Artur do Carmo.
Notably, all provincial first secretaries of the MPLA were reconfirmed in their leadership roles. The process concluded on October 10, 2026, with the closure of conferences in the country's 21 provinces. This process demonstrated a party strategy focused on stability and maintaining existing structures. The local elections were characterized by the presentation of single, consensus candidates, eliminating alternative competitors for provincial leaderships.
The reconfirmed leaders are tasked with consolidating the MPLA's political work for the cycle leading up to 2031. They will lead their respective delegations to the congress scheduled for December in Luanda. According to sources, these leaders have a mission to strengthen the party's political efforts in their regions.
For the candidacy for the position of MPLA president, proponents must gather support from at least 5,000 militants distributed across all provinces. This requirement ensures a geographically distributed and representative base of support. Lower-level positions require between 1,000 and 2,500 supporters, with different scales based on the importance and scope of the position being contested.
The upcoming 9th congress will feature 3,000 delegates from across the country and the diaspora. The event aims to showcase the party's commitment to its people and its confidence in the future. As the congress approaches, the MPLA's strategies and leadership choices are being closely watched by political observers and the general public.
The congress and the preceding provincial committee sessions reflect the MPLA's efforts to balance continuity with renewal within its ranks. The party's leadership selection process and the roles of key figures will likely influence Angola's political landscape in the years to come.
Key points
- The MPLA's 9th congress will take place on December 9-10, 2026, in Luanda.
- Provincial second secretaries of the MPLA have seen mixed results in their re-election bids.
- The party requires candidates for president to have support from at least 5,000 militants across all provinces.
