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Caetano de Sousa also urged parties to maintain the peace and accept the outcome of the vote.

Angola's ruling MPLA party is expected to win the poll and extend its long rule over the oil-rich country.

The opposition Unita party has accused the MPLA of intimidating its supporters and dominating state media.

Thursday was a day of reflection during which campaigning was formally suspended.

The state newspaper Jornal de Angola carried no front page picture of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos for the first time in a week.

"The electoral campaign was carried out throughout the country under equal circumstances for all candidates," said Mr de Sousa.

"The political parties have the moral, social and political duty to safeguard the peace and stability and accept the outcome of the vote."

Mr de Souso said voters should be "peaceful, serious and accept the different choices as we have already seen throughout this process".

Angola's last election in 1992 sparked the second phase of the country's 27-year civil war, which ended in 2002.

Will you be voting on Friday? What issues are influencing your vote? If you would be willing to speak to the BBC about your views and experiences, please include your number. It will not be published.

(BBC)

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