Ethiopian opposition forces agree to form coalition government

ADDIS ABABA, May 2, 2005 (The Reporter) — The Ethiopian United Democratic Forces (EUDF), Coalition for Unity and Democracy, Ethiopian Pan-Africanist Party and the All Ethiopian Democratic Party have said that they have agreed to form a coalition government if they fail to garner enough votes that would enable them to form a government individually.

In a joint communique issued yesterday at Semien Hotel, the four parties agreed the existing political differences between the parties to remain intact; to refrain from agitating against one another; to defend and combat attacks carried out by the ruling party in a peaceful manner; to work hand in hand in election related issues; to forward one candidate in a constituency than competing each other. They also agreed to support one another, especially if one of them manages to win the election in a free and fair way and contribute their parts in building a democratic system in the country. They also agreed to form a coalition government if they failed to form a government individually.

They urged the public at large to give them its utmost support than being divide on tribal, religious and gender lines. They also urged the respected candidates to work hand in hand.

The parties, who have agreed to work jointly, the Ethiopian United Democratic Party and Coalition for Unity and Democracy have 15 and four political parties under them respectively, and the rest, the Ethiopian Pan-Africanist Party and the All Ethiopian Democratic Party are separate parties.

Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service, original in Amharic