Angola Faces New Era With Third Election, August 2012

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Credit: Milton Grant/UN

Angola's democracy is about to turn another page as the nation votes under its new constitution.

Women wait outside a polling station in Sumbe town, to cast their votes in the country's first national elections.
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Credit: Africa Progress Panel

The first elections in 1992 resulted in war whereas the 2008 elections cemented peace.

This graph shows that President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos has ruled Angola for 33 years.
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Credit: Africa Progress Panel

The country has been hailed as a miracle of economic growth. It is the second largest oil producer in Africa.
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Credit: Africa Progress Panel

Despite the economy recording the fastest growth in the world from 2001-2010, poverty remains a challenge.
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Credit: Africa Progress Panel

Maternal and child mortality is substantially higher compared to other African countries.
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Credit: Africa Progress Panel

Street protests have rocked the country in recent months and former soldiers marched to demand the long overdue payment of pensions.

This graph indicates that inequality increases the risk of political instability and slow-economic development.
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Credit: Africa Progress Panel

Kofi Annan, Chair of the Africa Progress Panel said: "I hope these elections in Angola will give meaningful opportunity for Angolans to vote in a way that is free and fair.

In its 2012 report, the Africa Progress Panel recommended, among other things, the strengthening of transparency and accountability in politics and economics.

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