Ethiopian electoral body announces preparations for voting in Somali State

ABBDIS ABABA, June 28, 2005 (ENA) — The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced on-going preparations of the necessary documents and materials for the Parliamentary and regional council elections to be conducted in the Somali State in August.

Voting in the Somali State will consumate the Ethiopian third national elections.

NEBE Logistics head Biruk Wondwosen told ENA on Tuesday that printing of ballot papers and documents is in the pipeline.

Other materials necessary for voter registration are being prepared for the elections in the State, where more than two million people are expected to register to cast ballots, he said.

Mobile registration will be conducted with a view to reaching out to all the potential voters in the State, where most of the people, being pastoralists, are characterized by movements in search of water and pastures.

There are 23 constituencies established under the 52 Woredas in the State.

Voter registration will begin next month at 760 centers and 2,000 polling stations.