The European Union (EU) on Wednesday welcomed the peacefully held Angolan elections and called on Angolan authorities to continue efforts to consolidate peace and to make progress toward democracy in the country.
"The European Union welcomes the fact that the elections were held peacefully and congratulates all those active on the Angolan political scene for their resolute and responsible action to this end, despite the organizational problems noted," said a statement issued by the EU's French presidency.
The broad mobilization of Angolan citizens bears witness to the importance they attached to this poll, which came 16 years after the last elections, said the statement.
The EU, which closely followed the Angolan general elections held on Sept. 5-6, called the vote "an historic event for Angola."
"The European Observation Mission welcomed the progress made by Angola toward democracy, the size of the turnout and the calm which reigned during the electoral process, despite logistical and procedural difficulties," said the statement.
Initial results of Angola's parliamentary elections have shown that the ruling party is far ahead in polls than its contesting rivals, according to the National Electoral Commission (CNE).
Over 8.2 million Angolans were registered for the elections and cast their votes at 12,274 polling stations across the country last Friday.
To demonstrate the world that Angola pursues after democracy, the government also invited 1,200 foreign observers from 17 international organizations and 10 countries to follow up the elections.