Angola: Democracy Never Took Root in the MPLA

In December, João Lourenço will again stand as the sole candidate for the MPLA presidency at its ninth congress. The committee reviewing nominations rejected General Higino Carneiro’s bid, citing serious irregularities, including thousands of signatures deemed invalid or forged.

Whatever the merits of those allegations, the outcome is clear. The party that has ruled Angola for more than half a century will once again choose its leader without a real contest.

Carneiro’s exclusion is not a rupture…