Ethiopian election process carried out legaly – AU

14 Sept, 2005 (ENA) — The African Union (AU) has confirmed that the election and investigation processes of the third national elections held in Ethiopia were carried out based on the electoral laws of the country.

According to the official Ethiopia News Agency (ENA) in its report issued on Tuesday, AU reported on Tuesday that the legal measures taken by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) to resolve differences related to the 15 May elections based on the constitution was timely and appropriate.

The report said investigating complaints related to the election was one of the measures the board had taken.

It said an AU election observer team had confirmed that that the election and investigation processes had been carried based the country’s electoral law.

The union thanked the Ethiopian people for their efforts made for ensuring democracy in the country.

It called on all sides to accept the election result to strengthen the victories scored and further enhance them.

In its press statement issued on 15 May 2005 AU expressed its joy over the ability of Ethiopians to express their view freely.

In its report issued on 30 May AU also said AU observer team said despite minor irregularities, NEBE had been able to finalize the elections successfully.

It was also reported that the Ethiopian people had cast their votes with extreme patience.

(ENA/ST)