VI. ConclusionApproving a new press law was an important and long awaited step by the Angolan government towards ensuring freedom of expression in the country. However, the provisions that establish criminal responsibility for media professionals and limitations to the exercise of freedom of press are still not in accordance with international human rights law and standards. Unless these provisions are amended, freedom of the press during the pre-election and election periods will be compromised, and thus the credibility and integrity of the electoral process itself will be compromised as well. It is imperative that the government immediately put in place all the implementing laws and regulations required by the press law to give effect to its provisions. Many positive aspects of the law—the creation of a public information service, the licensing of private radio and TV broadcasting and the establishment of a Commission on the Press Card and Ethics—will remain inoperable in the absence of such laws and regulations. Since the previous press law is expressly revoked by the new law, the lack of implementing laws and regulations will create legal uncertainty and render the exercise of freedom of expression liable to restrictions and manipulation. |