Brussels  - The positive outcome of Angola's first parliamentary elections in 16 years shows that the country is consolidating its democracy, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Monday.

"After such a devastating war as the one Angola suffered, these elections are a step towards the consolidation of a multi-party democracy, a fundamental element for peace, stability, and socio- economic development," the head of the European Union's executive arm said in a statement.

The EU sent an election observation team to the country, and its final report was still due.

Initial reports suggest that despite some hiccups, the election process had gone ahead relatively smoothly and fairly.

"I would like to congratulate the Angolan people for their participation and for the enthusiasm they showed with democracy, especially since for many Angolans this was the first opportunity to express their will through the ballot box," Barroso said.

Angola's second legislative elections since the country's independence in 1975 gave a clear victory to the ruling MPLA party, with preliminary results indicating that President Jose Eduardo dos Santos' party had gained 80 per cent of the vote.

"I am certain that a climate of peace and freedom will contribute to strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between the European Union and Angola," Barroso said. (dpa)