Abstract

SCHUBERT, Jon. «Democratization» and the consolidation of political power in post-war Angola. Relações Internacionais [online]. 2013, n.37, pp.79-98. ISSN 1645-9199.

The advent of peace in Angola, in 2002, had nurtured the hope that the end of the civil war would contribute to a greater democratic pluralism and more civil liberties. The present paper argues that José Eduardo dos Santos’ government reinforced control over all aspects related to the social, economic and political life of the country. Although the September 2008 elections were regarded as «credible and transparent» by international observers, mpla’s victory was anything but surprising. The paper outlines the government’s electoral strategies during the process of voter registration in 2007, and basically shows how the governmental authority works and the state spreads its control over the organizations of civil society.

Keywords : Angola; 2008 elections; democratization; authoritarian power.

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