Ethiopia /Byelorussia Election, similar stories, different standards, responses
Make Dictatorship History in Ethiopia
Press Release
15 May 2006 Election in Ethiopia and Byelorussia Similar stories, different e standards and responses The May 15, 2005 election in Ethiopia will remain in the history of the country as the first ever-contested election. The majority of the population who caste their vote were encouraged to do so by two factors. First, although limited in scope, there was a democratic overture withthe ruling party and opposition leaders participating in public debates prior to Election Day.Second, the presence of a substantial number of international observers had convinced them that democratic elections were indeed possible in Ethiopia.
Although the EU’s development aid programme as well as that of the USA is tied with respect for human rights, democratic principles and rule of law, we believe it would be a mistake totake this commitment at face value. This led to disillusion with the post-electoral stalematecaused by the ruling party’s confiscation of the people’s vote and the violent repression aimed at derailing the democratisation process. The international community’s response to the negative developments in the country was nowhere near its declared commitment todemocracy and the rule of law.
This attitude is in sharp contrast to international reaction that followed last March’s elections in Byelorussia, which, can reasonably compare with that of Ethiopia. The ruling parties in both countries manipulated the results to stay in power against the will of the people.
The International Community’s reaction to the situation in Byelorussia was significantly different from what was witnessed in Ethiopia. EU leaders not only condemned the crackdown on Byelorussia opposition leaders, media, and civil society organisations but also wentfurther and imposed a visa ban against 31 Byelorussia top leaders, including President Alexander Lukashenka. The US press secretary Scott McClellan called upon “all members of the international community to demand that authorities in Byelorussia respect the right of their own citizens” and joined the EU in imposing sanctions.
By all standards, the repression in Ethiopia was more serious and massive. Opposition party leaders, journalists, women, youths and thousands of ordinary citizens were victims to serioushuman rights abuses including arbitrary detention, harassment, intimidation and extrajudicialkillings. There was indignation but nothing more. The USA and EU leaders’ response to these massive human rights violations is contemptuous.
Respect for human rights and upholding democratic principles require the consistent andimpartial application of these principles throughout the world irrespective of geo-strategic interests, ideology, race and religion.
To achieve these objectives, Ethiopians can only count on themselves in the struggle for their civic rights, political pluralism and peace, by following the victorious examples of Ghandi against British colonialism and Mandela against apartheid. Contact :