Ethiopia opposition coalition UEDF accuses ruling party of harassing

GONDAR, Ethiopia, April 8, 2005 (ENA) — The opposition United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) complained that its candidates contesting in the May elections in various woredas of North Gondar zone, Amhara State, were being harassed by administrative bodies and the ‘cadres of the ruling party’.

Election coordinators and administrative officials said the complaint is far from true and baseless.

UEDFs North Gondar Zone Coordinator, Guesh Gebresellasie told ENA on Thursday that UEDF candidates running in Alefa Taqusa, Wogera and Dabat woredas were being intimidated, scared and frightened.

The UEDF Coordinator said woreda administrators, kebele officials and members of the Police have been creating hurdles on the efforts of UEDF candidates to introduce their platforms to rural kebeles by intimidating and dispersing gatherings.

Guesh urged pertinent bodies to take swift remedial measures as, he said, such kind of activities would preclude the democratic conduct of the election.

Election executives of the respective woredas and administrative bodies have denied the allegations.

They said apart from informing UEDF members to refrain from campaigning in places of worship and other areas restricted by law, there has been no intimidation or harassment committed on the members or the public.