Election observer cites problems in Angola

LUANDA, Angola, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Vote-rigging was widespread in the recent Angolan election, where the ruling MPLA party was expected to win by a landslide, an EU observer said.

Election observer Richard Howitt told the BBC he received reports that the governing party offered bribes and that soldiers and MPLA officials apparently intimidated voters. Observers from the Southern African Development Community, however, said voting was "transparent and credible."

In the run-up to Friday's election, Unita accused the MPLA of intimidating supporters and dominating state media.

With more than two-thirds of the votes counted, the MPLA had 82 percent and the opposition Unita 10.5 percent after Friday's voting. The elections are the first in Angola for 16 years.

Howitt told the BBC there had been "massive hand-outs" of money, televisions, radios, alcohol and cars. Observers also received reports of people crossing borders from neighboring countries to cast ballots in Angola, he said.

Voters had to pass soldiers at the entrance to one polling station, he said.

"I personally saw representatives of the ruling party standing not just in the polling station, but in front of the booths where people were voting," Howitt told the BBC.