Ethiopia: Opposition political parties announce new coalition

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

September 7, 2010 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopia’s four main opposition parties, which were defeated in country’s May elections, have formed a new coalition, the state-run Ethiopia Radio and Television Agency (ERTA) reported.

The Ethiopian Democratic Forces Coalition (EDFC), comprises of the Oromo National Congress, All Ethiopians National Movement, Ethiopian Democratic Unity Movement and the All Oromo People’s Democratic Party.

Ethiopia held national election in May this year. The ruling EPRDF party won a landslide victory, receiving over 99% of the votes.

EDFC’s acting public relations head, Tolosa Tesfaye, said that they had formed the coalition after investigating the root causes of their respective crushing defeats in the elections.

He went on to say that the coalition has not yet reached an agreement on 40 per cent of their political programs.

(ST)