Ethiopia’s EPRDF, 2 opposition forces agree to support constitution
May 26, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Ethiopian ruling party said it conclude a deal with two opposition parties in order to support the constitutional system. The tripartite pact prohibits the use violence or force to demolish the multiparty system.
The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the opposition Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and the opposition Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement (OFDM) signed an agreement on Tuesday 23 May up on concluding three months of discussion on constitutional provisions and the supremacy of law.
The three parties, EPRDF, UEDF and OFDM, have agreed not to align themselves with organizations and groups that do not accept, and seek to demolish, the constitution through the use of force as well as to discharge their constitutional duties.
While signing the agreement at the House Defence Affairs Standing Committee Hall, the parties indicated that they have discussed for the past three months on ways of implementing the provisions.
The parties noted that opposition political parties that operate in a legal and peaceful manner play an irreplaceable role for the building of multi-party democratic system. Concerning constitutional provisions and the supremacy of law, notwithstanding the rights of parties to vie for constitutional amendment, through established legal procedures, the three parties agreed to be faithful to the constitution and to be duty-bound to work for the respect of its provisions.
Since January more than a dozen mystery blasts hited Addis Ababa and provincial towns, killing at least 11 people. Ethiopia has blamed arch-foe Eritrea of supplying explosive materials for the blasts but Asmara has denied the charge and some Ethiopian officials have said they suspect separartist rebels or opposition figures are responsible.
The parties have agreed to strive to nurture the culture of holding legally accountable those forces that seek to realize illegal aims through the use of force. They have also agreed to discharge their responsibilities of educating their members so that they could respect constitutional provisions and the supremacy of law and to refrain from committing any illegal acts.
The three parties have further agreed to take necessary disciplinary measures without the slightest hesitation when their members commit offences that violate the constitutional order and the supremacy of law. The three parties have noted that the country’s constitution has provided the rights of all citizens to organize and advance any political aim through peaceful means.
They also noted that the constitution has provided for the possibilities of peacefully struggling to address problems observed in the building of the democratic system. The three parties have noted that there were noticeable tendencies and activities in connection with elections to exploit constitutional provisions for unconstitutional goals.
According to the official results of May 2005 election the UEDF has 52 seats, and the OFDM has 11 seats in the parliament.
Tension has been high in Addis Ababa for months since at least 84 people died – many at the hands of police – during opposition-led protests against alleged fraud in the May 2005 elections.
(ST)