Seven Angolan activists jailed over calls for election transparency

Seven Angolan opposition activists have been sentenced to 45 days in jail and fined 3 hundred and 90 dollars over a protest calling for transparency in next year's election when veteran President Jose Eduardo dos Santos will stand down.

The election, due to be held in August, will mark a new chapter for Angola as Dos Santos hands over power after ruling the oil-rich country for 38 years.  
Dos Santos, who has dominated the Angolan government and the ruling MPLA for decades, has been regularly accused of crushing dissent. 

The Current Defence Minister, Joao Lourenco has emerged as Dos Santos's chosen successor. 

After constitutional changes in 2010, Angola does not directly elect a president, but the leader of the winning party automatically becomes head of state.

SOURCE: NEWS24