The ruling Popular Liberation Movement of Angola (MPLA) retained its majority in the 220-member National Assembly. This gave President João Lourenço a second term in office (see note) and extended MPLA’s rule, which has lasted since Angola’s independence from Portugal in 1975. However, MPLA reduced its share of seats from 150 to 124. By contrast, the main opposition, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), led by Mr. Adalberto Costa Junior, sharply increased its share of seats from 51 to 90. On 16 September, the newly elected National Assembly elected Ms. Carolina Cerqueira (MPLA) as its new President, who thereby became the first woman to assume the post.

UNITA contested the results, citing irregularities in the counting process. The Broad Convergence for the Salvation of Angola - Electoral Coalition (Casa-CE, which lost all 16 seats that it had held in the outgoing legislature) rejected the results and demanded that the National Electoral Commission publish the results forms from all polling stations. Regional and international observers said the vote was peaceful but expressed their concerns about the electoral roll, which included 2.7 million deceased people according to the head of the observers’ mission of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. The European Union urged the election authorities to make every possible effort to respond to the complaints fairly and transparently.

The major electoral issues in the 2022 elections included anti-corruption measures, job creation and a better health-care system. The elections were held shortly after the death of the former President José Eduardo dos Santos on 8 July. He had ruled the country for 38 years.

Note:
Article 109 of the 2010 Constitution stipulates "the individual heading the national list of the political party or coalition of political parties which receives the most votes in general elections shall be elected President of the Republic and Head of the Executive".