Ethiopian electoral board says 67 parties to participate in 2005 elections

ADDIS ABABA, June 07, 2004 (The Reporter) — The Ethiopian Electoral Board has announced that 67 parties are ready to participate in the forthcoming general elections due for 2005.

According to the head of the political parties registration office of the Ethiopian Electoral Board, Mr Mekonen Wondimu, none of the 67 parties have to date officially informed the office of their non participation.

Mr Mekonen said the date for the 2005 elections has not yet been fixed, but the board has started preparations in advance for the elections.

The head went on to say that among the 67 parties officially registered, 10 are national parties while the remaining 57 come from the regions.

In a related development, Mr Mekonen said application by the Dal-Webi Democratic Movement for registration as a political party has been approved and this brings the registered parties to 67. This party will be active in Somali Regional State districts of Kelafo, Mustahil, Ferfer, Gode and other surrounding areas.