Ethiopian electoral body urges elected MPs to join parliament

Sept 20, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said winner candidates of all political parties are required to participate in the formation of new parliament as long he/she fulfils the requirements.

The Board said executives of CUD including Hailu Shawl, Berhanu Nega and Ayalew Lidetu have taken electoral IDs enabling to their seats in the parliament.

NEBE Deputy Head Tesfaye Mengesha told EN on Tuesday that Peoples deputies from EPRDF, CUD, UEDF, OFDM had taken their IDs from their respective constituencies, he said.

Some 95 per cent candidates of both the ruling party and opposition parties of the national elections were provided IDs enabling them to take their seats in the parliament.

Tesfaye said the Board believes it was inappropriate for CUD to refuse to take seats in parliament after taking electoral IDs.

Tesfaye said winning candidates of 12 of the 23 constituencies of Addis Ababa were given IDS.

The parties need to express the views of the people who voted for them by joining the parliament.

Winning candidates from woreda 25, and 26/27 did not take their IDs so far, Tesfaye said.

Any winning candidate expected to be present during parliamentary formation as long he/she fulfils the criteria, he said, adding that it is not appropriate for the CUD to refuse to join parliament.

(ENA)