Ethiopian MPs discuss electoral body status
Jan 1, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Lawmakers from the various political forces represented at the Ethiopian parliament discussed today the state of the electoral body and way to ameliorate its performances.
Members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives discussed Monday deliberated political on the current state of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE).
Representative of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Endalkachew Molla, who chaired the discussion, said that the second round discussion focused on organizational structure and human power of the NEBE.
MPs of different parties have forwarded various ideas during the discussion. The discussion would continue in the future, the state-run ENA reported.
The parties will discuss NEBE’s strategic plan as well as the finance needed for the implementation of the strategic plan, he said.
On June 2005, the Ethiopian opposition urged more independency for the NEBE and expressed reserves towards the appointment of the electoral body. The Electoral panel is charged to register political parties and investigate electoral complaints.
The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, the Ethiopian Democratic Unity Party-Medhin, the Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, the Union of Ethiopian Democratic Forces, the Parliamentary Group and EPRDF Affiliate parties took part in the discussion.
(ST)