Angola is poised to enter a lengthy pre-election period ahead of what will be the country's second legislative vote, scheduled for September 2012. These polls could take place simultaneously with Angola's first municipal elections, which have been repeatedly postponed in recent years. Enjoying complete dominance of the national media and government apparatus, the ruling MPLA has a huge advantage going into the polls, and it will use its tested tactics of co-opting and intimidating its opponents to secure another absolute majority in the National Assembly. However, the party's sweeping victory is far from certain, given rising popular discontent over the lack of economic opportunities, the poor provision of basic services and austerity measures such as the reduction in fuel subsidies. Severely weakened since losing the civil war in 2002, UNITA will draw on its traditional power base in the central highlands, but its reach beyond there is expected to be weak. Other parties remain marginal, with support only in their home constituencies, and it will require a cross-party alliance to make any dent in the MPLA's dominance. Under the new constitution approved in February 2010 the presidential election has been abolished; instead, the leader of the party with the most seats in parliament automatically becomes president. Our central forecast is that Mr dos Santos will successfully contain any potential challenges, allowing him to remain in power throughout the forecast period.