Dondo - Religious leaders in northern Cuanza Norte Province on Tuesday expressed confidence in the success of the August 24 general elections, highlighting that the political maturity of contestants is a sign of hope that the process will run smoothly.
Speaking to ANGOP, the head of the Ecumenical Council of Cambambe Municipality, January Alfredo Mota, urged presidential candidates to be pragmatic, avoiding making unrealistic promises, an attitude characteristic of the election period.
The religious leader exhorted politicians to abstain from "muscular" speeches, that bring back sad events of the past, insults to competitors and incentive to hatred and violence, since this behaviour is contrary to the spirit and purpose of the elections.
"The most important thing is the message of wanting to be government, through a workable programme, in which whoever wins rules for all, and the losers to be humble, for the strengthening of democracy", said the cleric.
The pastor of the United Methodist Church in Dondo, Félix Carlos Bunga, on his turn, pointed out the improvement of education, health sectors and increase of employment for the youth, as the main challenges expected to be tackled by the next government.
The pastor of the Catholic Church in Dondo, the Brazilian William de Lima, added that although he is not allowed to vote, he hopes that the winner has the ability to carry out the promises made, as a gratitude to the voters who believed in the winning manifesto.
Seven political parties and one coalition are running for the general elections of 24 August.
They are MPLA, UNITA, PRS, FNLA, APN, PHA and P-NJANGO and the CASA-CE coalition.
Roughly 14.3 million voters are eligible to vote, including 22.560 who are residing abroad.
