Ethiopian political parties endorse controversial electoral code

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

October 31, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Landmark agreement is signed between Ethiopia’s major political opponents after a two-month long debate on the election code of conduct and its implementation strategies.

The code of conduct, which is believed to be an important framework to carry out the upcoming national election in a peaceful manner was signed yesterday between the ruling, Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and three opposition groups namely, the Ethiopian Unity Organization (AEUO), the Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP), all having seats in the Ethiopian parliament.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ethiopian Prime Minister and Chairman of the ruling EPRDF party, Meles Zenawi, said that the agreement is a result of the calm and constructive dialogue held in a spirit of mutual understanding among the four political parties.

Meles said the newly endorsed code is binding for contesting political parties as it guarantees equal, peaceful and democratic playing ground and enables the ruling party to facilitate fair competition. Meles advised other political groups to follow the path.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi pledged his party’s commitment to properly implement the code of conduct and other similar acts expected to be agreed on in the future.

Opposition groups which have been taking part in the negotiation of the code have lauded the latest development as a turning point to Ethiopia’s politics.

Chairman of an opposition, Coalition for Unity and Democracy Party (CUDP), Ayele Chamiso said that the code opens a whole new chapter in the political landscape of Ethiopia; adding it guarantees a democratic, peaceful and credible election outcome.

Chamiso said the fact that some have boycotted the negotiation shows their lack of commitment to the cause of peace.

Other opposition official, Engineer Hailu Shawul ,Chairman, of All Ethiopian Unity Organization (AEUO), said government’s commitment to engage in such series dialogue has enabled parties to reach in common understanding.

He confirmed his party’s determination to abide by the reached agreement.

Chairman of the Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP), Lidetu Ayalew for his part said-the agreement has put an end to politics filled with hatred and resentment adding that the new code would enable his party to successfully carry out its campaigning and other objectives.

A number of ambassadors and resident diplomats in Addis Ababa have hailed the joint agreement as a major step forward to the political life of the country and as a new hope in building the young democratic culture of the horn of Africa’s country.
The code sets out campaigning, voting and party symbol guidelines as well as how to deal with intimidation and violence, abuse of office and corruption. It also includes the setting up of a panel to handle election disputes.

Ethiopia’s biggest opposition party, Forum for Democratic Dialogue in Ethiopia, a coalition of eight parties, had walked out of the talks, demanding separate talks with government, arguing that key elements of election rules, which the group said could only lead to a fair election, were missing.

Following the agreement, Bereket Simon, Minister for Government communication affairs office, reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s commitment to conduct a first ever democratic election. But he warned opposition parties to refrain from any violations of the endorsed code or face penalties.

Few politicians, Sudan Tribune spoke to, said that Ethiopia could witness exemplary polls in the fragile Horn of Africa region if it properly implemented the reached or to be reached agreements making a free, fair, transparent and democratic and transparent election in the upcoming national election scheduled for May next year.

(ST)