From polethiopia@yahoo.com Mon May 9 08:05:05 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Mon, 9 May 2005 01:05:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Observation on the Electoral Politics Message-ID: <20050509080506.36554.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> The Bid For “Partial” Abrogation of the Constitution (Observation on the Electoral Politics) By Getachew Kebede For the past few months, Ethiopia has witnessed un-precedented and encouraging open-ness for political pluralism and democracy. The relative maturity being displayed by the different political parties is one of indicators of progress in the country’s democratization process. The ruling party is demonstrating serious commitment to ensure free and fair election for determining the political direction of the country during the coming five years. Like wise, most opposition parties, including those organized under ethnic and regional platforms, have started showing strong interest in national integration and unity based on greater equity and participation. So, this year’s electoral politics has created hope that fertile ground is already created for truly constructive engagement among different political forces towards sustainable peace and development in the country. In spite of this encouraging trend, this year’s election has also witnessed the emergence of extreme right wing groups bent on aborting the democratic process on the account that it has undermined the country’s age-old political culture. Ethiopia before the initiation of the present democratization process was not known for internal diversity, according to these groups. So, they have now declared intention to “restore” national unity through policies that would reverse the on-going democratization initiated by the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In a televised debate, last Sunday, representatives of the extreme right wing groups told the public that their coalition will abrogate the current Constitution soon after the election. As they have rightly identified, Chapter III of the Constitution carries bill of rights, enforceable by the relevant public institutions. Although these Ultra-rightist groups allude support to “individual rights” they have expressed bitter opposition and rejection to “group rights,” as provided in the Constitution. These are rights currently recognized in Ethiopia not only by the Constitution but also by the different international human rights conventions ratified by the country. In line with their declared political intention, the extreme right wing groups have rejected the country’s federal engagement as divisive and permissive for ethnic, regional and cultural diversity. As part of their strong nostalgia to Ethiopia’s aristocratic past, key spokesmen of these groups openly expressed admiration for the medieval political systems which had created an empire composed of kingdoms and headed by an emperor who was “King of kings.” Therefore, it is becoming clear that what they hate most in the present system is the democratic element, which is naturally alien to their conservative political vision. More unfortunately, the extreme right wing groups are now exercising demagogy loaded with heavy anti-minority rhetoric on the account of their support for the current constitutions system. So, it is again becoming clear that these groups are heading towards a direction, which experiences of many pluralistic societies, such as Rwanda, have proved to be dangerous for the very survival of the country and its nascent democratic system. Is it then proper to abrogate the Constitution through an electoral process? While contemplating this, it is just sufficient to consider the following facts: • The electoral process itself, which is to take place of the third time, has been possible by virtue of this same Constitution. One of the basic and uniformly accepted norms by all contesting political groups, i.e. in addition to denouncing violence as a political means, is adherence to the supremacy of the Constitution. • The Constitution carries amendment procedures, whenever there is a genuine need for it, which requires collective involvement of the federal and state organs duly constituted in accordance with the relevant laws of the country. Yet, the procedures are supposed to be used for amending, not abrogating the Constitution. • It is impermissible under the Constitution, and a flagrant violation of the country’s international obligations, to work towards un-constitutional transfer of power. It is equally un-acceptable to undermine the existing federal and democratic constitutional system. Thus, Ethiopia’s pluralistic democracy is envisaged on a shared commitment to uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the country. Moreover, this is the universal norm almost in all democratic systems through out the world. In the light of these basic facts, it is utterly improper for any of the political groups contesting in the election to instigate people against the constitutional system. Need-less to say, it is by virtue of the Constitution that the election is being exercised freely and with considerable fairness unusual through out Ethiopian history. Before this period, the country had two constitutional systems. During the Emperor’s time, there was a constitution legalizing absolute monarchy. During the Dergue era, there was a constitution, which entrenched totalitarianism. Under both systems, there was no room for multiparty politics and respect for fundamental human rights. Therefore, this is the first constitution in the country’s history, which has come to promote political pluralism, free election, and a system of basic human and democratic rights. It has also established a federal system based on participatory and equitable relationship towards strong national unity among the various ethnic and cultural groups in the county. Previously, under both the Emperor and the Dergue, these divers social groups and cultural communities were strictly controlled, and frequently suppressed, under a centralized unitary system. So, the on-going camping by the extreme right wing groups against the new constitutional system is clearly informed not only by their nostalgia to the past but deep rooted hostility towards the democratization process that empower historically disadvantaged peoples of the country, i.e. including the people of the Amhara nationality. It is a furious move to reverse the wheel of history back to medieval times. While this may turn to be true in explaining their perception of the country’s history, their real political motivation could not be as much naïve as it may appear from the first glance. In fact, one could say with certainty that the extreme right wing parties give greater priority for reaching corridor of power under any pretext or platform. Even in the ongoing debate, they have shown “flexibility” (i.e. non-commitment) in picking up any political agenda which appeared to them profitable in a given circumstance. Therefore, their sensational appeal to evoke public feelings, some times to a point of provoking a crude form of inter-ethnic hatred, seems to be motivated by an interest in gaining support at any cost. In short, such attitude is incompatible with the over all interest of the country. While the participation of the extreme right wing groups in the ongoing electoral process may contribute to enrich the discourse over the country’s political future, it is just a matter of necessity that they should pursue their interest with a sense of responsibility and commitment towards the common good. One of the requirements for this is respect for the shared vision of all political forces in the country, including commitment to uphold the supremacy of the constitution. Again, the tendency to discredit the electoral process on the account of one’s narrowly designed immediate political interest is a serious disservice to the nation. Hopefully our extreme right wing groups will guard against such dangerous temptations. ================================================ Pol.ethiopia May 9,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue May 17 13:25:17 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 06:25:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132517.27510.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue May 17 13:25:27 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 06:25:27 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132527.87393.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue May 17 14:06:13 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 17 May 2005 07:06:13 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election 2005 Message-ID: <20050517140613.66239.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> Election 2005: A good early warning By Ambachew Demeke Ethiopia desperately needs a democratic culture that could release the energy and good will of its citizens towards rapid development. Without democracy, it won’t be possible to overcome the challenges that almost every developing country face, under the new international system since 1990’s, a number of state, have failed to ensure continuity primarily dye to lack of democratic governance. Since the departure of Italians in 1941, the people of Ethiopian have missed a lot of good opportunities for development as a result of shortsightedness of the political class. Democratic institutions could have been developed at least by the standard of the rest of African countries. Yet, let alone the institutions, even free press was completely unknown in this country for several decades. Now, it seems that the cause for Ethiopia’s age old problems such as poverty and political instability has been diagnosed. The apparent commitment of the government to ensure democratic governance is certainly a good start along the right direction. The fact that the different political parties could freely submit their case to the public with this level of accommodation is a radical departure from the past. It is a courageous initiative which can only rarely be expected from a government that represents a party running fore election. Ethiopians have been following heated inter-party debate through the media in all parts of the country. Interestingly, the opposition parties have got the greater share of the air time much more that what they could have deserved if apportioned on the basis of one’s seats in the Parliament. Huge demonstrations have been staged in support of the opposition as well as the government, but still with a responsible cooperation of the government controlling power. Critical sections of the society such as university/college students as well as civil societies are freely participating in the process as voters as well as observers. Nearly 80 percent of the eligible population has registered to vote our country. Over 150,000 local observers are working in all polling stations. As a mark of transparency and sense of accountability, large number of international observers is already in Ethiopia to follow up the process. This is just to mention the most glaring features of the ongoing democratization process in this country. While these are all encouraging developments there is one extremely unexpected proposition by one of the major opposition parties. CUO, in its widely circulating election manifesto, has promised its supporters to create a transitional government which will be assigned to draft a new constitution soon after the election. The conventional practice in almost all democratic nations is that any winning party to will proceed and takeover responsibility to govern the country, according to the existing constitution. There was no time when an election has been conducted for abrogating an existing constitution system. Of course constitutions may be amended following the procedure enshrined in the constitution itself. If it happens that the existing amendment procedures are un-necessarily stringent, the procedure itself could be amended in a democratic way. While such possibilities should always remain open, but still no where constitutions have been abrogated or amended through an electoral process. Needless to say, electoral processes, including the present Ethiopian election, can be possible only by virtue of existing constitutional systems. Election is about change of government, not about constitutional abrogation or amendment. These two are completely different processes!! In the present Ethiopian context, this proposition has virtually poisoned the electoral process as it creates sense of insecurity among the various ethnic groups, especially minorities. Indeed, the first stage of the electoral process has witnessed considerable good fith and belongingness by all nationality and cultural groups in the country. The fact that CUD’ election manifesto has proposed to abrogate the portion of the constitution that cover the rights of the various nationality groups and minorities, ahs provoked angry reactions in different parts of the country. No wonder that five of the nine federating states of Ethiopia, including Benshangul, Somali, Afar and Gambella immediately held a joint press conference to express their feeling towards Cud’ proposition. They all explicitly stated that the various ethnic groups living in their respective states would automatically reject any attempt to undermine the present constitutional system. It is worth-noting that these state are not under the control of the ruling party currently. What is important here is a serious sense of insecurity among minorities as well as the larger groups such as Oromia has been created following the indication by CUD not to be bound by the existing constitutional system. This is a good early warning for CUD and other extreme right wing parties as to the possible consequences of such political tendencies. CUD, as a typical extreme right wing group, might have not anticipated such angry reactions to come a day of two after the publication of its election manifesto. In this connection, the statement made by \Prime Minister Meles in a recent interview is clearly a good reminder which deserves adequate attention by all sensible political parties. He reminded the public that, by the time the present constitution was negotiated by different political groups, about ten years ago, there were over 17 ethnic based armed political groups fighting for independence. They all dropped the idea of secession subsequent to the constitutional recognition of their right for self administration and local autonomy. Most observers of Ethiopian Political sense do know very well that by the time the ruling party, EPRDF, toppled the military government, ethnic based agitations for secession was the most common features in Ethiopia. It is quite true that the trend has now been growingly discredited as the various ethnic and cultural groups have come to enjoy a measure of autonomy under the present constitutional system. Once one tends to disrupt the emerging sense of security and belongingness, secessionist tendencies would regain the lost credibility. To be fair, one may understand the desperations and temptations of especially opposition parties during election times. But one should still not confuse election campaign promises with serious political irresponsibility. Once a party mobilizes its constituency under such platforms, it would end up creating a scenario extremely difficult to control under a normal circumstance. It is just advisable to guard against temptations of using impractical and some times irresponsible promises. The latest development in Ethiopia electoral processes is the decision of some of the contesting parties, including the ruling EPRDF, to sign non-violence pact. Given the fact that this year’s election has involved heated debates and completions, added to the apparent inexperience in democratic politics, the pact is a significant step towards completing the process in a peaceful and responsible manner. Again, the fact that CUD has dissociated itself from the agreement has created room for considerable uncertainly as to the actual expectations of the extreme right wing parties in the present election. Suffice to mention that this sort of unfriendly attitude could easily lead to completely un-intended destinations. This is to say that we expect a great deal of maturity and good reasoning from the contending parties. Good Luck!!! =================== Pol.Ethiopia May 17, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu May 19 09:41:36 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 19 May 2005 02:41:36 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election Message-ID: <20050519094137.4774.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> Ethiopian electoral Process and the Outside World Aseffa Birhane Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, while addressing his party’s supporters, last Saturday, stated that Ethiopia’s most important battle should be against poverty. He seems to allude that electoral victory is not an end by itself. The Prime Minister went further saying that democracy, peace and stability are inseparably related to the poverty reduction strategy. The logic is simply this: With out democracy, there can be no lasting peace and stability. And without these two, poverty reduction is definitely unthinkable. Ethiopia is the third most populous country in Africa and the bulk of the population live below poverty line. Probably the Prime Minister had this picture in mind when he repeatedly reminded the public that democracy for Ethiopia is not a choice but a question of national survival. As part of the current initiatives towards nation development, the government is pursuing an open-door policy towards the outside world. In the past, Ethiopia was known for extra-ordinary sensitivity towards any critical comment by outsiders. Now, one could easily observe that there is unprecedented rate of open-ness and accommodation. There is renewed interest in forging extensive development partnership with the donor community. There is interest in amore principled association with the rest of Africa. There is a new sense of confidence in playing a more positive role that can ensure lasting peace and stability in the Horn region. Ethiopian foreign policy is now based primarily on the domestic vital interests of the country. These would include democracy, durable peace and sustainable development as a means for realizing the country’s poverty reduction strategy. This is definitely a positive development for the country and equally for those who would like to maintain sustainable partnership with Ethiopia. Nothing could be sustainable when it is based on short term interests that neglect the genuine aspirations of the people of the country, especially the poor and disprivileged sectors of the society. During the Emperor’s time, the Ethiopian government had a sense of impunity while committing all sorts of atrocity against its own citizens. That was a false sense of confidence based on un-conditional loyalty to the West especially the US. At the end, the emperor’s government proved used-less for itself as well as for its international partners as the country eventually fell under community dictatorship. Later, the Dergue followed the same route while establishing relationship with the Soviet bloc. In both cases, the mistake lied in the attitude of the governments of the day concerning the vital national interests of the country and its people. This is why one could dare to say with certainty that the current initiatives towards greater and constructive open-ness should be encouraged, and not abused on account of one’s short term, and sometimes misconceived interests. As part of the recent positive developments in the country, a large number of international observers have been invited to follow up the election which is just few days away. Observers representing the Carter Center, European Union, African Union and the Arab League are currently working through out the country. Recently observers who have come from Japan, china, and India have joined them to take part in the process. Ethiopia has recently introduced Observer’s Code of conduct which is compatible to most internationally recognized standards. It has opend up wider room for the international observers to bring irregularities to the attention of the Election Board. The restrictions are the same as those applicable even in the well developed democracies. For instance, observers are required not to interfere, say, by making comments that would influence the electorate and by releasing pre-emptive reports while the electoral process is going on. So far,. The international observers are working freely along-side over 150,000 local observers. Mean while, there has been indication that certain foreign circles try to influence the electoral process on the account of misconceived interests. For instance, the Us based National Endowment for Democracy has reportedly required the Ethiopian government to allow opposition political parties hold considerable number of seats in the parliament. More interestingly, this is posed as conditionality for recognizing and legitimizing Ethiopia’s democratization process. No doubt that this sort of intervention is un-necessary and may be offensive not only to the government but also to the opposition as well. For instance, it just gives an impression as if opposition parties are out to serve foreign interests. This apparently partisan requirement has not bee the norm and the practice anywhere, including the western world. Needless to say, no one but the electorate has to determine who should get what in the election. In this connection, it is worth-mentioning that the expulsion of a few individuals representing three U.S-based organizations including-the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican institute (IRI) and the International Foundation for Electoral systems (IFES) have provoked furious reaction against the Ethiopian government. These persons were found working as observes with out registering properly in compliance with the laws of the country, according to government report. It seems to be the norm that every sovereign state requires foreign observers to identify them-selves and register in a transparent and legitimate way. One would wonder what could have been the fate of such cases, say, if detected in any of the American electoral process. In any case, what is more astonishing is that the reaction which the incident has come to provoke is not only unreasonable but quite discouraging and unfriendly. In the mean time, the same critics have not been fair enough to take note of any of the positive initiatives being taken in the present Ethiopian electoral process. The protracted inter-party debates and extensive public interest and participation is not common in Africa. The active role of the judiciary to protect, among others, the right of civil societies to take part in the process at various levels and the fast growing free press, the high level participation of women as candidate for seats in the federal and regional parliaments, and the like should have attracted positive coverage, if not appreciation, Such un-sensitive attitudes can not be fair to Ethiopia and to any developing country aspiring to join the modern world as democratic polity. Thus, instead of such apparently self centered dispositions, Ethiopia’s development partners should aim attaining amore respectable objective. They should care and support the people of this historically disadvantaged country by playing a constructive role in electoral process and the over all national effort towards development. If democracy is firmly established in Ethiopia, whose population constitutes half of the inhabitants of the Horn; it will definitely help to stabilize the region as a whole. Thus, the out side world especially countries having immediate and long term strategic interests in the region should encourage the Ethiopian government, the opposition and the people at large to work collectively towards the democratization of their country. Democratic and prosperous Ethiopia will certainly be a more dependable prater for the free and peace loving world. The international observers currently working in Ethiopia are widely expected to demonstrate their commitment to this noble cause by observing high professional and ethical standards in the process. ======================== Pol.Ethiopia May 19, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu May 26 08:09:46 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 26 May 2005 01:09:46 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526080946.8937.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> May 24, 2005 Democratization of election great victory for Ethiopians: EPRDF ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said that the democratization and uniqueness of the election that had been confirmed by the peoples of Ethiopia and the international community as well, was a great victory for the entire Ethiopians. In a statement issued yesterday in connection with the Front’s Executive Committee regular session held May 21-22, 2005, it said that such democracy is achieved due to the fact that the entire Ethiopians have been dedicated to make the election flawless. The Front has also expressed its appreciation to those Ethiopians who made outstanding contribution in various ways to make the election democratic. It said EPRDF understands that election is a situation in which citizens can elect contestants whom they believe can work for their benefit freely. Moreover, the statement said, not only those people who cast their votes have their contribution in making the elections flawless but also those who did not vote. Pointing out that most of the people were having doubt that whether the election would be democratic or not, it said those who cast votes lining up in queues until mid-night have contributed their share towards the success of the election. The statement said that the Front believes that the counting of votes would also be democratic and reflect the interest of the public at large. Accordingly, it said, the Front would work hard for the fairness of the counting of votes. EPRDF would also create situations conducive to settling complaints over election regularities according to the law. The Front would also hand over the Addis Ababa City Administration power to the winning party in the set time table, the statement said. EPRDF would also like to confirm that it would continue to extend support the city administration used to get from the Federal Government, as it has been doing in the past. The statement said the Front also understands clearly the meaning of message of those people who did not vote for EPRDF. EPRDF has practically tested policies and strategies that have brought about good results, it said, adding that the problem found in this regard is their implementation. Accordingly, maintaining and continuing those policies and strategies which can help achieve good results the Front said, adding that EPRDF clearly understands the appropriateness of making remedies on implementation problems in consultation with the public. It also expressed its belief that the people would contribute their share in the improvements of the implementation. The Front is ready to create forums that would enable it consult with the public on relevant issues, the statement said. The statement also congratulated members and supporters of EPRDF for fulfilling their objectives through making the Front victorious both in the process and result of the democratic election. The statement said while entering the election, EPRDF had expressed its determination to make the conduct peaceful, democratic and flawless as well as its confidence to win the election. It added that the Front has realized its goal of conducting a democratic and peaceful election by ultimately relying on its members and supporters. The statement said EPRDF has won votes to form a government at Federal and State levels, and as such, the Front has won a decisive victory to continue implementing its good policies and strategies. The Front also called upon its members and supporters to urgently enter into the implementation of EPRDF’s programmes with much vigour and resolve. The international community has closely observed the discipline manifested by members of EPRDF who strictly abide by the Election Code of Conduct prepared by the Front, the statement said. The statement added while our members and supporters work in strict observance of the Code of Conduct, it was confirmed that opposition parties were engaged in various illegal and anti-democratic activities going against the electoral law. While EPRDF recognizes that the illegal activities deliberately committed by opposition parties were infuriating and deplorable, the statement said, however, it must be stressed that the ultimate solution for such activities is democratic struggle. The Front urged its members and supporters to strengthen the legitimate and peacefull struggle by relying on the Front’s capacity of rectifying mistakes through a democratic process. The statement said EPRDF recognizes that its supporters do believe the policy and strategy it is pursuing to bring about development and ensure a democratic system is appropriate. It also said that the Front is also cognizant that there are numerous points its supporters would like to get improved with regard to implementation of the policy and strategy, adding the Front is much more ready than ever to work in consultation with its supporters to adopt necessary changes in relation to implementation. The statement said rigorous efforts would be needed to intensify the good practices demonstrated during policy implementation and take corrective measures in the weaknesses. The statement said the issue of increasing productivity should be given special attention taking advantage of the favourable weather condition in the current main rainy season. The statement said members of the Front and supporters at the various levels need to work relentlessly with more vigour and stamina during the development work in the main rainy season as they did in the past to achieve rapid development and for the good of the public. The statement said cognizant of the decisive role of the anti-poverty struggle for the materialization of democracy and the political objectives of the Front, EPRDF has urged the public to remain much more committed for the realization work in the main rainy season. EPRDF is well aware that all its members and supporters believe that the Front should establish government as per the law at Federal and State levels where it emerged victorious, while putting strong pressure to hand over power in areas where oppositions won, the statement said. EPRDF considers as appropriate the idea forwarded by its members and supporters that the Front should establish a government where it won the upper hand, the statement said, however, it said, the Front underscore that this should take place pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations. Thus, the statement said, the Front would peacefully and legally hand over power here in the capital city where an opposition party has won the elections. This transition of power, though limited to the capital Addis Ababa, a huge responsibility is entrusted upon the public to make such transition of power, which is the first of its kind in the history of the country, peaceful and civilized. The statement also said EPRDF expressed its determination to realize this peaceful transition of power collectively with the general public. All Ethiopians who voted and did not vote for EPRDF opened in unison a new chapter of democracy in the country by putting aside destructive agitations. The public has, indeed, enabled the elections to be conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner by ignoring the rigorous destructive campaigns by some elements. This is a grand victory of peace, democracy and sovereignty, the statement said. The Front called upon all Ethiopians to foil destructive agitations before it they arouses animosity and hatred among people. Numerous scholars, entrepreneurs and other segments of the public have extended strong support in organized and individual level during the election process towards the realization of EPRDF’s objectives and the on-going peace, development and democratic system in the country. The statement said understanding the importance of working hand-in-hand to keep up the positive achievements and do away with faults in a peaceful and democratic struggle, EPRDF expressed its readiness to jointly work with all its partners within spirit of cooperation than ever. “This historic chapter has brought both good opportunities for Ethiopia and its people as well as a danger that could possibly erupt due to silly mistakes, the statement said,” and added, “we can sustain the benefits of the public only through employing the good opportunities in a constructive way.” The statement further said the time demands avoiding emotions and thinking critically, and added that by drawing lessons from experiences over the past years, EPRDF has designed a reform programme to be implemented during the next five years. EPRDF has readied itself towards the execution of this development and peace programme working with all the Ethiopian people in the spirit of cooperation. The Front also indicated that it will soon publicize the reform and development programme and called upon the Ethiopian people to finalize the on-going reform activities, nurture their fundamental rights and benefits as well as utilize the democratic culture for the advancement of the nation. Winner, loser parties should jointly rescue the country from poverty: Prof. Kinfe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Professor Kinfe Abraham said both winners and losers of the elections should work in collaboration in a bid to get the country out of poverty. In an interview with the English Service of the Voice of America (VOA) and the German’s Deutsche Welle Radio, Prof. Kinfe said contesting political parties have the duty to avoid their controversies and jointly work to brink the country out of the prevailing problems. The winner party has also the responsibility to fulfill its promises to the public, he added. Pointing out that contesting parties have registered various results at various constituencies, Prof. Kinfe said both winners and losers should jointly shoulder national responsibilities. Though all contesting parties entered the competition expecting victory, they should honourably accept the results they obtained, Prof. Kinfe added. According to Prof. Kinfe, the 90 per cent voter turnout as well as the enthusiasm observed among the electorate on the polling day were historic and manifestations of the public’s aspiration for a democratic order. As election is the first phase of any democratic administration, the losers and winners should accept the outcome of the election and mobilize the public for development. Prof. Kinfe further said as state administrations lack material capacity to fully alleviate problems of a city, a party that won in various states need to jointly work with the Federal Government and other states. According to Prof. Kinfe, a party needs 275 seats in the parliament to form the Federal Government while it requires two-third majority seats to introduce new legislation. As Addis Ababa is a city with various international organizations such as the AU, the ECA and more than 100 diplomatic missions, dialogue would be required between the Federal Government and the opposition party that won in the city in order for things to go smoothly. The two have to have thaw will to listen to each other and they have to be prepared to make essential compromises, he added. Ethiopia negotiating accession to WTO ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – An official with the Ministry of Trade and Industry says Ethiopia is in the process of becoming a member is in the process of becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). While addressing a National Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills which kicked off here yesterday, WTO Affairs Department Head with the Ministry, Habtamu Tadesse said Ethiopia has prepared a memorandum of understanding of foreign trade law which depicts its laws and policies. He said Ethiopia requested to be a member of the WTO in 2003, adding that the country was then permitted to become a member after going through a month-long negotiating. However, he added, to enter the negotiation phase, it was imperative first to adopt a law. In order to be competitive in the world market, Ethiopian products should be improved in quality, he said. He also said institutionalization was much needed than ever. Attracting foreign trade, resolving trade-related disputes as well as building institutional capacity were among the major benefits of becoming a WTO member, he said. Dr. Dickson Yeboah, Counselor and Head of Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation of Africa Unit with WTO, said the liberalization of varies to foreign direct investment in the services sector was the most important source of gains from WTO accession. “IF Ethiopia joined the WTO, there would be a significant increase in foreign direct investment and an increase in multinational firms operating in the business services sector in Ethiopia,” Yeboah said. Entered into force on 1st of January 1995 with 76 members, WTO has to date 148 member countries. Close to 30 countries including Ethiopia, Algeria, Cape Verde, Libya, the Sudan and Guinea are in the process of negotiating their accessions according to Yeboah. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 26,2005 ============================ __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Use Yahoo! to plan a weekend, have fun online and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/ From polethiopia@yahoo.com Thu May 26 13:10:51 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Thu, 26 May 2005 06:10:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526131051.21377.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> May 26, 2005 Meles equates victory in election to victory over military regime ADDIS ABABA (WIC) – Chairman of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the victory his party has attained in the recent election is no less than the victory scored by overthrowing the military regime on May 28, fourteen years ago. In an exclusive interview with Radio Fana Tuesday, Meles said the victory over the Derg military regime has culminated in the May 15, 2005 election. He said as May 15 is an amazing day when supporters and opponents of the government legally and peacefully staged rallies, waited from dawn to midnight to cast their ballots; it is a victory day no less than May 28 to the Front and the public. The Premier said EPRDF has achieved its two goals in making the elections credible and flawless nationally and internationally as well as securing majority seats at federal and state levels so as to fulfill its objectives of attaining peace, development and democracy. In this regard, he said, the Front has succeeded in meeting the targets Opposition parties were given adequate space and air time in print and bradcast media to introduce their platforms, while EPRDF has prepared a Code of Conduct for its members as part of the commitment to make the election smooth and flawless. He also said the election was conducted in a peaceful manner against the earlier speculations by both local and foreign political observers that it would not be held in a democratic manner. As it turned out, he said, the election proved to be exemplary to other countries as it has been witnessed by foreign election observers. The Chairman, however, said daunting challenges had to be surpassed to conclude the process democratically. Meles said the culmination of the May 28 victory and that of May 15 election victory are the two greatest victories which have made him proud of his party. According to the Chairman, although EPRDF is defeated in Addis Ababa, it has secured the public consent by winning majority seats at federal level to rule the country for the coming five years. He recalled that EPRDF has mainly rallied farmers behind it during the election, while galvanizing supporters from urban dwellers, adding that his part has won and lost votes both in rural and urban areas. Meles attributed the defeat of his party to the highly orchestrated campaign unleashed by opposition parties belittling EPRDF’s strengths and on part of the public to the prevalent discontents with implementation problems and other mistakes committed by the party. According to Meles, the winning of majority seats in the parliament is a testimony to EPRDF’s correct approach employed during the election debates against the opposition parties which have no detailed and plausible alternatives. He said the oppositions are similar in their stance of defying and changing the Constitution, adding that there was even a situation where the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and some civil societies have been sympathizers to the opposition parties. The Chairman said work on addressing some problems witnessed during the election are underway through the proper ways, adding that the achievement of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in coordinating the election under such conditions flawlessly can be cited among the great victories. He meanwhile, assured the general public not to be disturbed by alarmists who predict that disturbances may arise in the country as no force could threaten the peaceful coexistence of the people. Meles also reiterated the government’s readiness to prevent any eventualities that may occur following the election. He said the government would respect the verdict of the voters in Addis where it would hand over the administration of the city to the winner party which would be administered in accordance with the charter and held accountable to the Federal Government. The ongoing development works would be finalized until the handing over of the authority, he said. The upcoming authority has the right to expand or discard altogether the plans outlined by the previous administration. Meles asserted that EPRDF would continue to be genuine opposition is Addis, while a ruling party at federal level. He added that EPRDF would work hard to rectify policy implementation problems witnessed around urban areas. Meles also said although the Addis Ababa City Administration is accountable to the Federal Government, it has its own charter and the EPRDF has no reason to change it. While responding to questions raised by listeners of Radio Fana in connection with the 14th anniversary of the snowfall of the Derg regime, Meles said the new administration has the responsibility of administering kebele houses, levying and collecting taxes including the right to reduce and cancel tax arrears. He also said the new administration has the right to resume or abandon the small and micro trade activities as well as the construction of condominium houses launched earlier by EPRDF. It has the right to govern the residents of the city in line with the charter and in collaboration with the Federal Government. Meles stated that the transfer of power in Addis Ababa would be conduced in a peaceful way whereby the winner party would set up a committee and the loser also creates a body to flawlessly handover of the administration of the city. Asked on the wishes of the opposition to change the constitution, he said if the opposition parties can change the constitution legally that would be acceptable as its is a democratic process, but resorting to other ways that endanger the constitution would force the concerned government bodies to discharge their responsibilities by taking appropriate measures. On a question raised about his views on some private newspapers that instigate chaos and violence, Meles said at this juncture the activities of the free press can be evaluated from the perspective of politics and the law. >From political point of view the free press should discharge its responsibilities in building confidence and creating the sprit of decency by teaching the public to fend off hearsays and rumors, while on issues relating to legal affairs the concerned government bodies would follow the developments. He advised the opposition to however abandon inciting turmoil since it is not in the interest of the public. Responding to the taxation during the past years, Meles said tax is lower in Ethiopia as compared to most Sub-Saharan countries. He however said tax officials at all levels were levying unreasonable rate and indulged in bribery and similar practices which obviously infuriated the tax payers. He also said late implementation of the civil service reform programme and unsatisfactory nature of tax reforms made to cultivate the culture of tax payment were some of the major problems observed. Asked on the backlash of labeling opposition parties as Inter Hamwe group during election campaigns as being one of the reasons for the defeat of EPRDF in Addis, meles defended his position saying that the opposition parties were in fact promoting Inter Hamwe’s attitude, but said the failure was in getting the message across to the public and the EPRDF’s failure to address the deep-rooted problems in the city. He also said the measure taken on the banning of demonstrations was useful and banning of demonstrations was useful and a normal practice that has been acclaimed by foreign observers, adding that such move would by no means contravene the constitution of the country. Meles said the putting of the security forces in Addis under high alert and one command would help in ensuring peace in the city, while sending the message that the government is impatient to violence instigators. ====================================== Pol.ethiopia May 26,2005 ============================ __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search. http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250 From polethiopia@yahoo.com Fri May 27 13:17:31 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Fri, 27 May 2005 06:17:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050527131731.51222.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 27, 2005 Meles holds talks with Annan, Solana, Taha ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received and held talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, EU Secretary General Koffi Annan, EU high Commissioner for Foreign and Security Policy Javier Sloana and First Vice President of Sudan Ali Osman Mohammed Taha. The talks Prime Minister Meles held separately with Annan, Solana and Taha focused on the May 15 national elections, the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Darfur, the peace process in Somalia as well as other regional and international issues. During talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia stands strongly committed to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful and only peaceful means. Prime Minister Meles briefed Annan about the peace processes in Sudan and Somalia, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. Kofi Annan on the occasion has expressed his appreciation to the peaceful conclusion of the third HPR and state council elections in Ethiopia and congratulated the people and government of Ethiopia. The official quoted Annan as saying that contesting political parties to accept the results whatever it may be and work in the spirit of cooperation. The official also quoted Annan as saying that Ethiopia’s stand to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful means is commendable. Annan expressed satisfaction over the efforts being exerted in Ethiopia to meet the millennium development goals and optimism that the country can realize the MDGs provided that donors increase their support. Prime Minister Meles and Javier Solana discussed at length about the May 15 national elections. Solana after the talks told journalists that in addition to the election, discussions with Prime Minister Meles focused on the Darfur peace process and the role African Union has been playing. Similarly, during talks with Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia has been providing significant support in the peace process in Sudan. Meles pledged that Ethiopia will continue to support the efforts towards the realization of the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan. Taha after the talks told journalists that the situation in Darfur is improving. The government of Sudan is working with a spirit of cooperation with AU’s mission in Sudan (AMIS) towards bringing about peace in Darfur. He said discussion with Prime Minister Meles included the Ethio-Sudan bilateral cooperation and indicated that the Ministerial Commission of the two countries has been stepped up to the level of heads of government. The Commission will hold its meeting late next month in Khartoum, he said. U.S. expanding anti-HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia: L.Tobias ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – United States Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Randall L. Tobias said that the U.S. has greatly increased HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia in the last two years. The U.S has been providing an unprecedented 73 million USD to support HIV/AIDS activities in Ethiopia during the current year. Speaking at a press conference held in connection with the 2nd Annual Field Meeting of Presidents Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief, Ambassador Tobias said that Ethiopian is among the strongest partners of the U.S in the campaign launched to fight HIV/AIDS world wide. Ambassador Tobias also said that the US is currently working with both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and a wide variety of other organizations including faith communities such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Many Ethiopian community organizations have also been involved with a view to ensuring sustainability of the HIV/AIDS relief program which focused on providing treatment, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), he said. According to Ambassador Tobias, the programme has been supplying anti-retroviral drug treatment for 9,500 people in Ethiopia since September 2004, while the number is certainly much higher at present. “We also realize that food is an important issue here. We are seeking opportunities to partner with food programmes, including those of the U.S government, so that we can link them to the HIV/AIDS services we support”, he said. Ethiopia is hosting the President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Second Annual Field Meeting bringing together over 350 people from over 20 nations to identify and explore best practices in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic. Parties ordered to back complaints with evidences ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has ordered all political parties that had submitted complaints to attach their supposed evidences. The Board passed the order at a meeting held yesterday calling on parties that submitted complaints to attach evidence until June 1. NEBE Political Parties’ Registration Office said not less that 220 complaints have so far been submitted in 54 letters. Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said that EPRDF as well as CUD and its member parties have submitted the complaints jointly and separately. AFDM and other parties of regional status have also submitted complaints, he said. Commission licenses 30 bln. birr investment projects ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Investment Commission says that it has given licence to 2,200 investors with an aggregate capital of 30 billion birr over the past nine months. The influx of investors in Ethiopia is steadily growing. Commissioner Abi Wolde-Meskel told ENA yesterday that 470 of the investors were foreigners with a combined capital of ten billion birr. He said most of the entrepreneurs who received the licence from the Commission and investment bureaus have been engaged in industrial sector. Abi said that others have been involved in the agricultural sector particularly in floriculture, hotel and tourism, education, health and construction activities. He also said Ethiopia was increasingly becoming investment destination due to the various incentives being provided to entrepreneurs and other investment-friendly atmosphere in the country. Abi said that fact that licences were given to 450 foreign investors within a period of nine months compared to 500 given in the period between July 1984 E.C. – June 1995 E.C was indicative of the growing development of the sector. He attributed the development of the sector to the existing transparent rules and regulations, improved working procedures of governmental offices and the adoption of sound policy. Abi said the current investment promotion system focuses particularly on priority areas of the industrial sector that are believed to bring in relative benefits to the country, like leather and leather products, textile, meat, fruit and vegetables, agro-industry and hotel and tourism sectors. The Commissioner said that Ethiopia has been beneficiary of tariff and quota free access given for developing countries, adding that products exported to the US, Canada and Europe are entering the market tariff free. Fruits and vegetables, meat as well as other agricultural products were in high demand in Arab countries, Abi said, adding that in some countries there was a shortage in the supply side of Ethiopian products. The Commissioner said the government would extend the necessary support and encouragement to any investor keen to engage in the sector. Similarly, the Dire Dawa Interim Administration Investment Agency said it has licensed investors who registered nearly three billion birr capital over the past 12 years. Agency Representative Alemayehu Kassahun said that the licensed investors are carrying out 452 projects in ten various sectors. He said the projects include agricultural development, establishment of a food complex, real-estate development, construction of warehouse, trade, hotel and tourism, among others. Among the projects licensed, he said, 16 were being carried out in partnership with local and foreign investors. Some 75 projects, which have already been finalized, have created 2,122 jobs while others are in progress, Alemayehu said, adding it is expected that over 15,400 citizens would get jobs upon completion of all the projects. Land lease price has been revised to encourage investors, he said, adding that 90 hectare has been demarcated as an industrial zone with the necessary infrastructure in the town. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 27,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia@yahoo.com Tue May 31 11:42:07 2005 From: polethiopia@yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue, 31 May 2005 04:42:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050531114207.16262.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 31, 2005 Political parties, Board discuss ways of handling post-election activities By Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and political parties that contested election 2005 have discussed ways of handling post-election activities. At a Joint Forum meeting held at the Board’s Head Office yesterday, the political parties thoroughly discussed ways of dealing with irregularities and presentation of evidences to their complaints. They have also discussed ways in which preliminary results are being announced through the mass media. Accordingly, the political parties and the Board agreed to form a committee comprising of the contestant political parties, the Board and observers to deal with the irregularities. However, the Board indicated that it would only investigate areas for which legitimate accusation documents and witnesses would be produced. According to Board Chairman Kemal Bedri, the accusations have to be substantiated with relevant documents and witnesses. “This does not mean that the witnesses would appear in person at the Board. The political parties can only cite the polling station, the witness and other relevant documents and the Board, along with the would-be committee, investigate and handle the case,” he added. Regarding international observers, the Board has shown its readiness to accept their involvement but could not force them to do so. Representative of EPRDF said that the Front would accept the decision of the Board to involve foreign observers. Oppositions, however, strongly oppose to the idea and underscored the need for their involvement. “The international observers must involve themselves to any degree which they want to involve themselves,” they said. Speaking of the provisional results being displayed, the EPRDF representative said that results have been posted at the polling stations since the next day right after the election and at constituency levels after five days. He said that this shows that the activities were transparent and their announcement by the Board wouldn’t cast any shadow over the investigation process, as it is temporary. Opposition parties representatives on their part accused the Board of displaying the preliminary results without investigating the areas where alleged irregularities have occurred. According to Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), irregularities have occurred at 156 constituencies to which it has lodged complaints. The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) also complains of irregularities at 79 constituencies. Accordingly, the Board shouldn’t have disclosed the preliminary results, they added. The Board on its part indicated that it has been dealing with the case properly and process shows its transparency Kemal said that the Board would only explain to the public the concept of preliminary result through the mass media. The Chairman also said that there would be a possibility of postponing the final election result announcement in consideration of the points raised by the political parties at the Forum. Ethiopians in Diaspora call upon political parties to respect poll results, jointly strive to eliminate poverty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Ethiopians have called on political parties who took part in the recent national elections to respect the results of the poll and jointly strive to rid poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of the nation. Ethiopians here and in various parts of the globe have continued forwarding their comments online in various websites in connection with the recent third national election. The online comments being hosted by various websites as monitored here by the Monitoring Service of ENA indicate that the Ethiopians have realized the third national election was successfully conducted in a democratic manner. A commentor named Belete said “Both the governing and the opposition parties should respect the results of the poll.” The Commentor added all contestant parties, while maintaining their differences, should strive together to eliminate poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of Ethiopia. Another commentor named Mesfin said the incumbent government deserves appreciation for showing what real democracy is for the Ethiopian people. “Of all things that this government had done for Ethiopia, I will never forget the important heroism it showed by overthrowing the brutal and fascist Derg communist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam,” he said, adding, “This by itself is a big victory.” Yet, another visitor of the site by the name Ezana said, “despite the many shortcomings we have had while coming to where we are, we have achieved a lot in a short period of time.” Ezana also expressed hope that Ethiopians “will continue to dialogue, debate and at the same time work together for our own sake.” Another commentor named Getaw Cherinet said, “The recent national election is a good start and a great history for Ethiopians at this stage. Please let’s do more and exercise an even better democracy.” Another commentor named Doyoo said, “The Ethiopian people in general and opposition groups in particular have to patiently and peacefully continue the struggle for a true democracy and a united Ethiopia.” “Let us just hope-the best is yet to come to our poor nation,” Doyoo said. =================================== Pol.ethiopia May 31,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new Resources site http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/ From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon May 9 10:05:05 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Observation on the Electoral Politics Message-ID: <20050509080506.36554.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> The Bid For “Partial” Abrogation of the Constitution (Observation on the Electoral Politics) By Getachew Kebede For the past few months, Ethiopia has witnessed un-precedented and encouraging open-ness for political pluralism and democracy. The relative maturity being displayed by the different political parties is one of indicators of progress in the country’s democratization process. The ruling party is demonstrating serious commitment to ensure free and fair election for determining the political direction of the country during the coming five years. Like wise, most opposition parties, including those organized under ethnic and regional platforms, have started showing strong interest in national integration and unity based on greater equity and participation. So, this year’s electoral politics has created hope that fertile ground is already created for truly constructive engagement among different political forces towards sustainable peace and development in the country. In spite of this encouraging trend, this year’s election has also witnessed the emergence of extreme right wing groups bent on aborting the democratic process on the account that it has undermined the country’s age-old political culture. Ethiopia before the initiation of the present democratization process was not known for internal diversity, according to these groups. So, they have now declared intention to “restore” national unity through policies that would reverse the on-going democratization initiated by the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In a televised debate, last Sunday, representatives of the extreme right wing groups told the public that their coalition will abrogate the current Constitution soon after the election. As they have rightly identified, Chapter III of the Constitution carries bill of rights, enforceable by the relevant public institutions. Although these Ultra-rightist groups allude support to “individual rights” they have expressed bitter opposition and rejection to “group rights,” as provided in the Constitution. These are rights currently recognized in Ethiopia not only by the Constitution but also by the different international human rights conventions ratified by the country. In line with their declared political intention, the extreme right wing groups have rejected the country’s federal engagement as divisive and permissive for ethnic, regional and cultural diversity. As part of their strong nostalgia to Ethiopia’s aristocratic past, key spokesmen of these groups openly expressed admiration for the medieval political systems which had created an empire composed of kingdoms and headed by an emperor who was “King of kings.” Therefore, it is becoming clear that what they hate most in the present system is the democratic element, which is naturally alien to their conservative political vision. More unfortunately, the extreme right wing groups are now exercising demagogy loaded with heavy anti-minority rhetoric on the account of their support for the current constitutions system. So, it is again becoming clear that these groups are heading towards a direction, which experiences of many pluralistic societies, such as Rwanda, have proved to be dangerous for the very survival of the country and its nascent democratic system. Is it then proper to abrogate the Constitution through an electoral process? While contemplating this, it is just sufficient to consider the following facts: • The electoral process itself, which is to take place of the third time, has been possible by virtue of this same Constitution. One of the basic and uniformly accepted norms by all contesting political groups, i.e. in addition to denouncing violence as a political means, is adherence to the supremacy of the Constitution. • The Constitution carries amendment procedures, whenever there is a genuine need for it, which requires collective involvement of the federal and state organs duly constituted in accordance with the relevant laws of the country. Yet, the procedures are supposed to be used for amending, not abrogating the Constitution. • It is impermissible under the Constitution, and a flagrant violation of the country’s international obligations, to work towards un-constitutional transfer of power. It is equally un-acceptable to undermine the existing federal and democratic constitutional system. Thus, Ethiopia’s pluralistic democracy is envisaged on a shared commitment to uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the country. Moreover, this is the universal norm almost in all democratic systems through out the world. In the light of these basic facts, it is utterly improper for any of the political groups contesting in the election to instigate people against the constitutional system. Need-less to say, it is by virtue of the Constitution that the election is being exercised freely and with considerable fairness unusual through out Ethiopian history. Before this period, the country had two constitutional systems. During the Emperor’s time, there was a constitution legalizing absolute monarchy. During the Dergue era, there was a constitution, which entrenched totalitarianism. Under both systems, there was no room for multiparty politics and respect for fundamental human rights. Therefore, this is the first constitution in the country’s history, which has come to promote political pluralism, free election, and a system of basic human and democratic rights. It has also established a federal system based on participatory and equitable relationship towards strong national unity among the various ethnic and cultural groups in the county. Previously, under both the Emperor and the Dergue, these divers social groups and cultural communities were strictly controlled, and frequently suppressed, under a centralized unitary system. So, the on-going camping by the extreme right wing groups against the new constitutional system is clearly informed not only by their nostalgia to the past but deep rooted hostility towards the democratization process that empower historically disadvantaged peoples of the country, i.e. including the people of the Amhara nationality. It is a furious move to reverse the wheel of history back to medieval times. While this may turn to be true in explaining their perception of the country’s history, their real political motivation could not be as much naïve as it may appear from the first glance. In fact, one could say with certainty that the extreme right wing parties give greater priority for reaching corridor of power under any pretext or platform. Even in the ongoing debate, they have shown “flexibility” (i.e. non-commitment) in picking up any political agenda which appeared to them profitable in a given circumstance. Therefore, their sensational appeal to evoke public feelings, some times to a point of provoking a crude form of inter-ethnic hatred, seems to be motivated by an interest in gaining support at any cost. In short, such attitude is incompatible with the over all interest of the country. While the participation of the extreme right wing groups in the ongoing electoral process may contribute to enrich the discourse over the country’s political future, it is just a matter of necessity that they should pursue their interest with a sense of responsibility and commitment towards the common good. One of the requirements for this is respect for the shared vision of all political forces in the country, including commitment to uphold the supremacy of the constitution. Again, the tendency to discredit the electoral process on the account of one’s narrowly designed immediate political interest is a serious disservice to the nation. Hopefully our extreme right wing groups will guard against such dangerous temptations. ================================================ Pol.ethiopia May 9,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 15:25:17 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132517.27510.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 15:25:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132527.87393.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 16:06:13 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election 2005 Message-ID: <20050517140613.66239.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> Election 2005: A good early warning By Ambachew Demeke Ethiopia desperately needs a democratic culture that could release the energy and good will of its citizens towards rapid development. Without democracy, it won’t be possible to overcome the challenges that almost every developing country face, under the new international system since 1990’s, a number of state, have failed to ensure continuity primarily dye to lack of democratic governance. Since the departure of Italians in 1941, the people of Ethiopian have missed a lot of good opportunities for development as a result of shortsightedness of the political class. Democratic institutions could have been developed at least by the standard of the rest of African countries. Yet, let alone the institutions, even free press was completely unknown in this country for several decades. Now, it seems that the cause for Ethiopia’s age old problems such as poverty and political instability has been diagnosed. The apparent commitment of the government to ensure democratic governance is certainly a good start along the right direction. The fact that the different political parties could freely submit their case to the public with this level of accommodation is a radical departure from the past. It is a courageous initiative which can only rarely be expected from a government that represents a party running fore election. Ethiopians have been following heated inter-party debate through the media in all parts of the country. Interestingly, the opposition parties have got the greater share of the air time much more that what they could have deserved if apportioned on the basis of one’s seats in the Parliament. Huge demonstrations have been staged in support of the opposition as well as the government, but still with a responsible cooperation of the government controlling power. Critical sections of the society such as university/college students as well as civil societies are freely participating in the process as voters as well as observers. Nearly 80 percent of the eligible population has registered to vote our country. Over 150,000 local observers are working in all polling stations. As a mark of transparency and sense of accountability, large number of international observers is already in Ethiopia to follow up the process. This is just to mention the most glaring features of the ongoing democratization process in this country. While these are all encouraging developments there is one extremely unexpected proposition by one of the major opposition parties. CUO, in its widely circulating election manifesto, has promised its supporters to create a transitional government which will be assigned to draft a new constitution soon after the election. The conventional practice in almost all democratic nations is that any winning party to will proceed and takeover responsibility to govern the country, according to the existing constitution. There was no time when an election has been conducted for abrogating an existing constitution system. Of course constitutions may be amended following the procedure enshrined in the constitution itself. If it happens that the existing amendment procedures are un-necessarily stringent, the procedure itself could be amended in a democratic way. While such possibilities should always remain open, but still no where constitutions have been abrogated or amended through an electoral process. Needless to say, electoral processes, including the present Ethiopian election, can be possible only by virtue of existing constitutional systems. Election is about change of government, not about constitutional abrogation or amendment. These two are completely different processes!! In the present Ethiopian context, this proposition has virtually poisoned the electoral process as it creates sense of insecurity among the various ethnic groups, especially minorities. Indeed, the first stage of the electoral process has witnessed considerable good fith and belongingness by all nationality and cultural groups in the country. The fact that CUD’ election manifesto has proposed to abrogate the portion of the constitution that cover the rights of the various nationality groups and minorities, ahs provoked angry reactions in different parts of the country. No wonder that five of the nine federating states of Ethiopia, including Benshangul, Somali, Afar and Gambella immediately held a joint press conference to express their feeling towards Cud’ proposition. They all explicitly stated that the various ethnic groups living in their respective states would automatically reject any attempt to undermine the present constitutional system. It is worth-noting that these state are not under the control of the ruling party currently. What is important here is a serious sense of insecurity among minorities as well as the larger groups such as Oromia has been created following the indication by CUD not to be bound by the existing constitutional system. This is a good early warning for CUD and other extreme right wing parties as to the possible consequences of such political tendencies. CUD, as a typical extreme right wing group, might have not anticipated such angry reactions to come a day of two after the publication of its election manifesto. In this connection, the statement made by \Prime Minister Meles in a recent interview is clearly a good reminder which deserves adequate attention by all sensible political parties. He reminded the public that, by the time the present constitution was negotiated by different political groups, about ten years ago, there were over 17 ethnic based armed political groups fighting for independence. They all dropped the idea of secession subsequent to the constitutional recognition of their right for self administration and local autonomy. Most observers of Ethiopian Political sense do know very well that by the time the ruling party, EPRDF, toppled the military government, ethnic based agitations for secession was the most common features in Ethiopia. It is quite true that the trend has now been growingly discredited as the various ethnic and cultural groups have come to enjoy a measure of autonomy under the present constitutional system. Once one tends to disrupt the emerging sense of security and belongingness, secessionist tendencies would regain the lost credibility. To be fair, one may understand the desperations and temptations of especially opposition parties during election times. But one should still not confuse election campaign promises with serious political irresponsibility. Once a party mobilizes its constituency under such platforms, it would end up creating a scenario extremely difficult to control under a normal circumstance. It is just advisable to guard against temptations of using impractical and some times irresponsible promises. The latest development in Ethiopia electoral processes is the decision of some of the contesting parties, including the ruling EPRDF, to sign non-violence pact. Given the fact that this year’s election has involved heated debates and completions, added to the apparent inexperience in democratic politics, the pact is a significant step towards completing the process in a peaceful and responsible manner. Again, the fact that CUD has dissociated itself from the agreement has created room for considerable uncertainly as to the actual expectations of the extreme right wing parties in the present election. Suffice to mention that this sort of unfriendly attitude could easily lead to completely un-intended destinations. This is to say that we expect a great deal of maturity and good reasoning from the contending parties. Good Luck!!! =================== Pol.Ethiopia May 17, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 19 11:41:36 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election Message-ID: <20050519094137.4774.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> Ethiopian electoral Process and the Outside World Aseffa Birhane Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, while addressing his party’s supporters, last Saturday, stated that Ethiopia’s most important battle should be against poverty. He seems to allude that electoral victory is not an end by itself. The Prime Minister went further saying that democracy, peace and stability are inseparably related to the poverty reduction strategy. The logic is simply this: With out democracy, there can be no lasting peace and stability. And without these two, poverty reduction is definitely unthinkable. Ethiopia is the third most populous country in Africa and the bulk of the population live below poverty line. Probably the Prime Minister had this picture in mind when he repeatedly reminded the public that democracy for Ethiopia is not a choice but a question of national survival. As part of the current initiatives towards nation development, the government is pursuing an open-door policy towards the outside world. In the past, Ethiopia was known for extra-ordinary sensitivity towards any critical comment by outsiders. Now, one could easily observe that there is unprecedented rate of open-ness and accommodation. There is renewed interest in forging extensive development partnership with the donor community. There is interest in amore principled association with the rest of Africa. There is a new sense of confidence in playing a more positive role that can ensure lasting peace and stability in the Horn region. Ethiopian foreign policy is now based primarily on the domestic vital interests of the country. These would include democracy, durable peace and sustainable development as a means for realizing the country’s poverty reduction strategy. This is definitely a positive development for the country and equally for those who would like to maintain sustainable partnership with Ethiopia. Nothing could be sustainable when it is based on short term interests that neglect the genuine aspirations of the people of the country, especially the poor and disprivileged sectors of the society. During the Emperor’s time, the Ethiopian government had a sense of impunity while committing all sorts of atrocity against its own citizens. That was a false sense of confidence based on un-conditional loyalty to the West especially the US. At the end, the emperor’s government proved used-less for itself as well as for its international partners as the country eventually fell under community dictatorship. Later, the Dergue followed the same route while establishing relationship with the Soviet bloc. In both cases, the mistake lied in the attitude of the governments of the day concerning the vital national interests of the country and its people. This is why one could dare to say with certainty that the current initiatives towards greater and constructive open-ness should be encouraged, and not abused on account of one’s short term, and sometimes misconceived interests. As part of the recent positive developments in the country, a large number of international observers have been invited to follow up the election which is just few days away. Observers representing the Carter Center, European Union, African Union and the Arab League are currently working through out the country. Recently observers who have come from Japan, china, and India have joined them to take part in the process. Ethiopia has recently introduced Observer’s Code of conduct which is compatible to most internationally recognized standards. It has opend up wider room for the international observers to bring irregularities to the attention of the Election Board. The restrictions are the same as those applicable even in the well developed democracies. For instance, observers are required not to interfere, say, by making comments that would influence the electorate and by releasing pre-emptive reports while the electoral process is going on. So far,. The international observers are working freely along-side over 150,000 local observers. Mean while, there has been indication that certain foreign circles try to influence the electoral process on the account of misconceived interests. For instance, the Us based National Endowment for Democracy has reportedly required the Ethiopian government to allow opposition political parties hold considerable number of seats in the parliament. More interestingly, this is posed as conditionality for recognizing and legitimizing Ethiopia’s democratization process. No doubt that this sort of intervention is un-necessary and may be offensive not only to the government but also to the opposition as well. For instance, it just gives an impression as if opposition parties are out to serve foreign interests. This apparently partisan requirement has not bee the norm and the practice anywhere, including the western world. Needless to say, no one but the electorate has to determine who should get what in the election. In this connection, it is worth-mentioning that the expulsion of a few individuals representing three U.S-based organizations including-the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican institute (IRI) and the International Foundation for Electoral systems (IFES) have provoked furious reaction against the Ethiopian government. These persons were found working as observes with out registering properly in compliance with the laws of the country, according to government report. It seems to be the norm that every sovereign state requires foreign observers to identify them-selves and register in a transparent and legitimate way. One would wonder what could have been the fate of such cases, say, if detected in any of the American electoral process. In any case, what is more astonishing is that the reaction which the incident has come to provoke is not only unreasonable but quite discouraging and unfriendly. In the mean time, the same critics have not been fair enough to take note of any of the positive initiatives being taken in the present Ethiopian electoral process. The protracted inter-party debates and extensive public interest and participation is not common in Africa. The active role of the judiciary to protect, among others, the right of civil societies to take part in the process at various levels and the fast growing free press, the high level participation of women as candidate for seats in the federal and regional parliaments, and the like should have attracted positive coverage, if not appreciation, Such un-sensitive attitudes can not be fair to Ethiopia and to any developing country aspiring to join the modern world as democratic polity. Thus, instead of such apparently self centered dispositions, Ethiopia’s development partners should aim attaining amore respectable objective. They should care and support the people of this historically disadvantaged country by playing a constructive role in electoral process and the over all national effort towards development. If democracy is firmly established in Ethiopia, whose population constitutes half of the inhabitants of the Horn; it will definitely help to stabilize the region as a whole. Thus, the out side world especially countries having immediate and long term strategic interests in the region should encourage the Ethiopian government, the opposition and the people at large to work collectively towards the democratization of their country. Democratic and prosperous Ethiopia will certainly be a more dependable prater for the free and peace loving world. The international observers currently working in Ethiopia are widely expected to demonstrate their commitment to this noble cause by observing high professional and ethical standards in the process. ======================== Pol.Ethiopia May 19, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 26 10:09:46 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526080946.8937.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> May 24, 2005 Democratization of election great victory for Ethiopians: EPRDF ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said that the democratization and uniqueness of the election that had been confirmed by the peoples of Ethiopia and the international community as well, was a great victory for the entire Ethiopians. In a statement issued yesterday in connection with the Front’s Executive Committee regular session held May 21-22, 2005, it said that such democracy is achieved due to the fact that the entire Ethiopians have been dedicated to make the election flawless. The Front has also expressed its appreciation to those Ethiopians who made outstanding contribution in various ways to make the election democratic. It said EPRDF understands that election is a situation in which citizens can elect contestants whom they believe can work for their benefit freely. Moreover, the statement said, not only those people who cast their votes have their contribution in making the elections flawless but also those who did not vote. Pointing out that most of the people were having doubt that whether the election would be democratic or not, it said those who cast votes lining up in queues until mid-night have contributed their share towards the success of the election. The statement said that the Front believes that the counting of votes would also be democratic and reflect the interest of the public at large. Accordingly, it said, the Front would work hard for the fairness of the counting of votes. EPRDF would also create situations conducive to settling complaints over election regularities according to the law. The Front would also hand over the Addis Ababa City Administration power to the winning party in the set time table, the statement said. EPRDF would also like to confirm that it would continue to extend support the city administration used to get from the Federal Government, as it has been doing in the past. The statement said the Front also understands clearly the meaning of message of those people who did not vote for EPRDF. EPRDF has practically tested policies and strategies that have brought about good results, it said, adding that the problem found in this regard is their implementation. Accordingly, maintaining and continuing those policies and strategies which can help achieve good results the Front said, adding that EPRDF clearly understands the appropriateness of making remedies on implementation problems in consultation with the public. It also expressed its belief that the people would contribute their share in the improvements of the implementation. The Front is ready to create forums that would enable it consult with the public on relevant issues, the statement said. The statement also congratulated members and supporters of EPRDF for fulfilling their objectives through making the Front victorious both in the process and result of the democratic election. The statement said while entering the election, EPRDF had expressed its determination to make the conduct peaceful, democratic and flawless as well as its confidence to win the election. It added that the Front has realized its goal of conducting a democratic and peaceful election by ultimately relying on its members and supporters. The statement said EPRDF has won votes to form a government at Federal and State levels, and as such, the Front has won a decisive victory to continue implementing its good policies and strategies. The Front also called upon its members and supporters to urgently enter into the implementation of EPRDF’s programmes with much vigour and resolve. The international community has closely observed the discipline manifested by members of EPRDF who strictly abide by the Election Code of Conduct prepared by the Front, the statement said. The statement added while our members and supporters work in strict observance of the Code of Conduct, it was confirmed that opposition parties were engaged in various illegal and anti-democratic activities going against the electoral law. While EPRDF recognizes that the illegal activities deliberately committed by opposition parties were infuriating and deplorable, the statement said, however, it must be stressed that the ultimate solution for such activities is democratic struggle. The Front urged its members and supporters to strengthen the legitimate and peacefull struggle by relying on the Front’s capacity of rectifying mistakes through a democratic process. The statement said EPRDF recognizes that its supporters do believe the policy and strategy it is pursuing to bring about development and ensure a democratic system is appropriate. It also said that the Front is also cognizant that there are numerous points its supporters would like to get improved with regard to implementation of the policy and strategy, adding the Front is much more ready than ever to work in consultation with its supporters to adopt necessary changes in relation to implementation. The statement said rigorous efforts would be needed to intensify the good practices demonstrated during policy implementation and take corrective measures in the weaknesses. The statement said the issue of increasing productivity should be given special attention taking advantage of the favourable weather condition in the current main rainy season. The statement said members of the Front and supporters at the various levels need to work relentlessly with more vigour and stamina during the development work in the main rainy season as they did in the past to achieve rapid development and for the good of the public. The statement said cognizant of the decisive role of the anti-poverty struggle for the materialization of democracy and the political objectives of the Front, EPRDF has urged the public to remain much more committed for the realization work in the main rainy season. EPRDF is well aware that all its members and supporters believe that the Front should establish government as per the law at Federal and State levels where it emerged victorious, while putting strong pressure to hand over power in areas where oppositions won, the statement said. EPRDF considers as appropriate the idea forwarded by its members and supporters that the Front should establish a government where it won the upper hand, the statement said, however, it said, the Front underscore that this should take place pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations. Thus, the statement said, the Front would peacefully and legally hand over power here in the capital city where an opposition party has won the elections. This transition of power, though limited to the capital Addis Ababa, a huge responsibility is entrusted upon the public to make such transition of power, which is the first of its kind in the history of the country, peaceful and civilized. The statement also said EPRDF expressed its determination to realize this peaceful transition of power collectively with the general public. All Ethiopians who voted and did not vote for EPRDF opened in unison a new chapter of democracy in the country by putting aside destructive agitations. The public has, indeed, enabled the elections to be conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner by ignoring the rigorous destructive campaigns by some elements. This is a grand victory of peace, democracy and sovereignty, the statement said. The Front called upon all Ethiopians to foil destructive agitations before it they arouses animosity and hatred among people. Numerous scholars, entrepreneurs and other segments of the public have extended strong support in organized and individual level during the election process towards the realization of EPRDF’s objectives and the on-going peace, development and democratic system in the country. The statement said understanding the importance of working hand-in-hand to keep up the positive achievements and do away with faults in a peaceful and democratic struggle, EPRDF expressed its readiness to jointly work with all its partners within spirit of cooperation than ever. “This historic chapter has brought both good opportunities for Ethiopia and its people as well as a danger that could possibly erupt due to silly mistakes, the statement said,” and added, “we can sustain the benefits of the public only through employing the good opportunities in a constructive way.” The statement further said the time demands avoiding emotions and thinking critically, and added that by drawing lessons from experiences over the past years, EPRDF has designed a reform programme to be implemented during the next five years. EPRDF has readied itself towards the execution of this development and peace programme working with all the Ethiopian people in the spirit of cooperation. The Front also indicated that it will soon publicize the reform and development programme and called upon the Ethiopian people to finalize the on-going reform activities, nurture their fundamental rights and benefits as well as utilize the democratic culture for the advancement of the nation. Winner, loser parties should jointly rescue the country from poverty: Prof. Kinfe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Professor Kinfe Abraham said both winners and losers of the elections should work in collaboration in a bid to get the country out of poverty. In an interview with the English Service of the Voice of America (VOA) and the German’s Deutsche Welle Radio, Prof. Kinfe said contesting political parties have the duty to avoid their controversies and jointly work to brink the country out of the prevailing problems. The winner party has also the responsibility to fulfill its promises to the public, he added. Pointing out that contesting parties have registered various results at various constituencies, Prof. Kinfe said both winners and losers should jointly shoulder national responsibilities. Though all contesting parties entered the competition expecting victory, they should honourably accept the results they obtained, Prof. Kinfe added. According to Prof. Kinfe, the 90 per cent voter turnout as well as the enthusiasm observed among the electorate on the polling day were historic and manifestations of the public’s aspiration for a democratic order. As election is the first phase of any democratic administration, the losers and winners should accept the outcome of the election and mobilize the public for development. Prof. Kinfe further said as state administrations lack material capacity to fully alleviate problems of a city, a party that won in various states need to jointly work with the Federal Government and other states. According to Prof. Kinfe, a party needs 275 seats in the parliament to form the Federal Government while it requires two-third majority seats to introduce new legislation. As Addis Ababa is a city with various international organizations such as the AU, the ECA and more than 100 diplomatic missions, dialogue would be required between the Federal Government and the opposition party that won in the city in order for things to go smoothly. The two have to have thaw will to listen to each other and they have to be prepared to make essential compromises, he added. Ethiopia negotiating accession to WTO ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – An official with the Ministry of Trade and Industry says Ethiopia is in the process of becoming a member is in the process of becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). While addressing a National Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills which kicked off here yesterday, WTO Affairs Department Head with the Ministry, Habtamu Tadesse said Ethiopia has prepared a memorandum of understanding of foreign trade law which depicts its laws and policies. He said Ethiopia requested to be a member of the WTO in 2003, adding that the country was then permitted to become a member after going through a month-long negotiating. However, he added, to enter the negotiation phase, it was imperative first to adopt a law. In order to be competitive in the world market, Ethiopian products should be improved in quality, he said. He also said institutionalization was much needed than ever. Attracting foreign trade, resolving trade-related disputes as well as building institutional capacity were among the major benefits of becoming a WTO member, he said. Dr. Dickson Yeboah, Counselor and Head of Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation of Africa Unit with WTO, said the liberalization of varies to foreign direct investment in the services sector was the most important source of gains from WTO accession. “IF Ethiopia joined the WTO, there would be a significant increase in foreign direct investment and an increase in multinational firms operating in the business services sector in Ethiopia,” Yeboah said. Entered into force on 1st of January 1995 with 76 members, WTO has to date 148 member countries. Close to 30 countries including Ethiopia, Algeria, Cape Verde, Libya, the Sudan and Guinea are in the process of negotiating their accessions according to Yeboah. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 26,2005 ============================ __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Use Yahoo! to plan a weekend, have fun online and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/ From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 26 15:10:51 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526131051.21377.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> May 26, 2005 Meles equates victory in election to victory over military regime ADDIS ABABA (WIC) – Chairman of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the victory his party has attained in the recent election is no less than the victory scored by overthrowing the military regime on May 28, fourteen years ago. In an exclusive interview with Radio Fana Tuesday, Meles said the victory over the Derg military regime has culminated in the May 15, 2005 election. He said as May 15 is an amazing day when supporters and opponents of the government legally and peacefully staged rallies, waited from dawn to midnight to cast their ballots; it is a victory day no less than May 28 to the Front and the public. The Premier said EPRDF has achieved its two goals in making the elections credible and flawless nationally and internationally as well as securing majority seats at federal and state levels so as to fulfill its objectives of attaining peace, development and democracy. In this regard, he said, the Front has succeeded in meeting the targets Opposition parties were given adequate space and air time in print and bradcast media to introduce their platforms, while EPRDF has prepared a Code of Conduct for its members as part of the commitment to make the election smooth and flawless. He also said the election was conducted in a peaceful manner against the earlier speculations by both local and foreign political observers that it would not be held in a democratic manner. As it turned out, he said, the election proved to be exemplary to other countries as it has been witnessed by foreign election observers. The Chairman, however, said daunting challenges had to be surpassed to conclude the process democratically. Meles said the culmination of the May 28 victory and that of May 15 election victory are the two greatest victories which have made him proud of his party. According to the Chairman, although EPRDF is defeated in Addis Ababa, it has secured the public consent by winning majority seats at federal level to rule the country for the coming five years. He recalled that EPRDF has mainly rallied farmers behind it during the election, while galvanizing supporters from urban dwellers, adding that his part has won and lost votes both in rural and urban areas. Meles attributed the defeat of his party to the highly orchestrated campaign unleashed by opposition parties belittling EPRDF’s strengths and on part of the public to the prevalent discontents with implementation problems and other mistakes committed by the party. According to Meles, the winning of majority seats in the parliament is a testimony to EPRDF’s correct approach employed during the election debates against the opposition parties which have no detailed and plausible alternatives. He said the oppositions are similar in their stance of defying and changing the Constitution, adding that there was even a situation where the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and some civil societies have been sympathizers to the opposition parties. The Chairman said work on addressing some problems witnessed during the election are underway through the proper ways, adding that the achievement of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in coordinating the election under such conditions flawlessly can be cited among the great victories. He meanwhile, assured the general public not to be disturbed by alarmists who predict that disturbances may arise in the country as no force could threaten the peaceful coexistence of the people. Meles also reiterated the government’s readiness to prevent any eventualities that may occur following the election. He said the government would respect the verdict of the voters in Addis where it would hand over the administration of the city to the winner party which would be administered in accordance with the charter and held accountable to the Federal Government. The ongoing development works would be finalized until the handing over of the authority, he said. The upcoming authority has the right to expand or discard altogether the plans outlined by the previous administration. Meles asserted that EPRDF would continue to be genuine opposition is Addis, while a ruling party at federal level. He added that EPRDF would work hard to rectify policy implementation problems witnessed around urban areas. Meles also said although the Addis Ababa City Administration is accountable to the Federal Government, it has its own charter and the EPRDF has no reason to change it. While responding to questions raised by listeners of Radio Fana in connection with the 14th anniversary of the snowfall of the Derg regime, Meles said the new administration has the responsibility of administering kebele houses, levying and collecting taxes including the right to reduce and cancel tax arrears. He also said the new administration has the right to resume or abandon the small and micro trade activities as well as the construction of condominium houses launched earlier by EPRDF. It has the right to govern the residents of the city in line with the charter and in collaboration with the Federal Government. Meles stated that the transfer of power in Addis Ababa would be conduced in a peaceful way whereby the winner party would set up a committee and the loser also creates a body to flawlessly handover of the administration of the city. Asked on the wishes of the opposition to change the constitution, he said if the opposition parties can change the constitution legally that would be acceptable as its is a democratic process, but resorting to other ways that endanger the constitution would force the concerned government bodies to discharge their responsibilities by taking appropriate measures. On a question raised about his views on some private newspapers that instigate chaos and violence, Meles said at this juncture the activities of the free press can be evaluated from the perspective of politics and the law. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri May 27 15:17:31 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050527131731.51222.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 27, 2005 Meles holds talks with Annan, Solana, Taha ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received and held talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, EU Secretary General Koffi Annan, EU high Commissioner for Foreign and Security Policy Javier Sloana and First Vice President of Sudan Ali Osman Mohammed Taha. The talks Prime Minister Meles held separately with Annan, Solana and Taha focused on the May 15 national elections, the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Darfur, the peace process in Somalia as well as other regional and international issues. During talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia stands strongly committed to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful and only peaceful means. Prime Minister Meles briefed Annan about the peace processes in Sudan and Somalia, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. Kofi Annan on the occasion has expressed his appreciation to the peaceful conclusion of the third HPR and state council elections in Ethiopia and congratulated the people and government of Ethiopia. The official quoted Annan as saying that contesting political parties to accept the results whatever it may be and work in the spirit of cooperation. The official also quoted Annan as saying that Ethiopia’s stand to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful means is commendable. Annan expressed satisfaction over the efforts being exerted in Ethiopia to meet the millennium development goals and optimism that the country can realize the MDGs provided that donors increase their support. Prime Minister Meles and Javier Solana discussed at length about the May 15 national elections. Solana after the talks told journalists that in addition to the election, discussions with Prime Minister Meles focused on the Darfur peace process and the role African Union has been playing. Similarly, during talks with Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia has been providing significant support in the peace process in Sudan. Meles pledged that Ethiopia will continue to support the efforts towards the realization of the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan. Taha after the talks told journalists that the situation in Darfur is improving. The government of Sudan is working with a spirit of cooperation with AU’s mission in Sudan (AMIS) towards bringing about peace in Darfur. He said discussion with Prime Minister Meles included the Ethio-Sudan bilateral cooperation and indicated that the Ministerial Commission of the two countries has been stepped up to the level of heads of government. The Commission will hold its meeting late next month in Khartoum, he said. U.S. expanding anti-HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia: L.Tobias ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – United States Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Randall L. Tobias said that the U.S. has greatly increased HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia in the last two years. The U.S has been providing an unprecedented 73 million USD to support HIV/AIDS activities in Ethiopia during the current year. Speaking at a press conference held in connection with the 2nd Annual Field Meeting of Presidents Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief, Ambassador Tobias said that Ethiopian is among the strongest partners of the U.S in the campaign launched to fight HIV/AIDS world wide. Ambassador Tobias also said that the US is currently working with both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and a wide variety of other organizations including faith communities such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Many Ethiopian community organizations have also been involved with a view to ensuring sustainability of the HIV/AIDS relief program which focused on providing treatment, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), he said. According to Ambassador Tobias, the programme has been supplying anti-retroviral drug treatment for 9,500 people in Ethiopia since September 2004, while the number is certainly much higher at present. “We also realize that food is an important issue here. We are seeking opportunities to partner with food programmes, including those of the U.S government, so that we can link them to the HIV/AIDS services we support”, he said. Ethiopia is hosting the President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Second Annual Field Meeting bringing together over 350 people from over 20 nations to identify and explore best practices in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic. Parties ordered to back complaints with evidences ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has ordered all political parties that had submitted complaints to attach their supposed evidences. The Board passed the order at a meeting held yesterday calling on parties that submitted complaints to attach evidence until June 1. NEBE Political Parties’ Registration Office said not less that 220 complaints have so far been submitted in 54 letters. Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said that EPRDF as well as CUD and its member parties have submitted the complaints jointly and separately. AFDM and other parties of regional status have also submitted complaints, he said. Commission licenses 30 bln. birr investment projects ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Investment Commission says that it has given licence to 2,200 investors with an aggregate capital of 30 billion birr over the past nine months. The influx of investors in Ethiopia is steadily growing. Commissioner Abi Wolde-Meskel told ENA yesterday that 470 of the investors were foreigners with a combined capital of ten billion birr. He said most of the entrepreneurs who received the licence from the Commission and investment bureaus have been engaged in industrial sector. Abi said that others have been involved in the agricultural sector particularly in floriculture, hotel and tourism, education, health and construction activities. He also said Ethiopia was increasingly becoming investment destination due to the various incentives being provided to entrepreneurs and other investment-friendly atmosphere in the country. Abi said that fact that licences were given to 450 foreign investors within a period of nine months compared to 500 given in the period between July 1984 E.C. – June 1995 E.C was indicative of the growing development of the sector. He attributed the development of the sector to the existing transparent rules and regulations, improved working procedures of governmental offices and the adoption of sound policy. Abi said the current investment promotion system focuses particularly on priority areas of the industrial sector that are believed to bring in relative benefits to the country, like leather and leather products, textile, meat, fruit and vegetables, agro-industry and hotel and tourism sectors. The Commissioner said that Ethiopia has been beneficiary of tariff and quota free access given for developing countries, adding that products exported to the US, Canada and Europe are entering the market tariff free. Fruits and vegetables, meat as well as other agricultural products were in high demand in Arab countries, Abi said, adding that in some countries there was a shortage in the supply side of Ethiopian products. The Commissioner said the government would extend the necessary support and encouragement to any investor keen to engage in the sector. Similarly, the Dire Dawa Interim Administration Investment Agency said it has licensed investors who registered nearly three billion birr capital over the past 12 years. Agency Representative Alemayehu Kassahun said that the licensed investors are carrying out 452 projects in ten various sectors. He said the projects include agricultural development, establishment of a food complex, real-estate development, construction of warehouse, trade, hotel and tourism, among others. Among the projects licensed, he said, 16 were being carried out in partnership with local and foreign investors. Some 75 projects, which have already been finalized, have created 2,122 jobs while others are in progress, Alemayehu said, adding it is expected that over 15,400 citizens would get jobs upon completion of all the projects. Land lease price has been revised to encourage investors, he said, adding that 90 hectare has been demarcated as an industrial zone with the necessary infrastructure in the town. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 27,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 31 13:42:07 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Feb 27 14:15:39 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050531114207.16262.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 31, 2005 Political parties, Board discuss ways of handling post-election activities By Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and political parties that contested election 2005 have discussed ways of handling post-election activities. At a Joint Forum meeting held at the Board’s Head Office yesterday, the political parties thoroughly discussed ways of dealing with irregularities and presentation of evidences to their complaints. They have also discussed ways in which preliminary results are being announced through the mass media. Accordingly, the political parties and the Board agreed to form a committee comprising of the contestant political parties, the Board and observers to deal with the irregularities. However, the Board indicated that it would only investigate areas for which legitimate accusation documents and witnesses would be produced. According to Board Chairman Kemal Bedri, the accusations have to be substantiated with relevant documents and witnesses. “This does not mean that the witnesses would appear in person at the Board. The political parties can only cite the polling station, the witness and other relevant documents and the Board, along with the would-be committee, investigate and handle the case,” he added. Regarding international observers, the Board has shown its readiness to accept their involvement but could not force them to do so. Representative of EPRDF said that the Front would accept the decision of the Board to involve foreign observers. Oppositions, however, strongly oppose to the idea and underscored the need for their involvement. “The international observers must involve themselves to any degree which they want to involve themselves,” they said. Speaking of the provisional results being displayed, the EPRDF representative said that results have been posted at the polling stations since the next day right after the election and at constituency levels after five days. He said that this shows that the activities were transparent and their announcement by the Board wouldn’t cast any shadow over the investigation process, as it is temporary. Opposition parties representatives on their part accused the Board of displaying the preliminary results without investigating the areas where alleged irregularities have occurred. According to Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), irregularities have occurred at 156 constituencies to which it has lodged complaints. The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) also complains of irregularities at 79 constituencies. Accordingly, the Board shouldn’t have disclosed the preliminary results, they added. The Board on its part indicated that it has been dealing with the case properly and process shows its transparency Kemal said that the Board would only explain to the public the concept of preliminary result through the mass media. The Chairman also said that there would be a possibility of postponing the final election result announcement in consideration of the points raised by the political parties at the Forum. Ethiopians in Diaspora call upon political parties to respect poll results, jointly strive to eliminate poverty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Ethiopians have called on political parties who took part in the recent national elections to respect the results of the poll and jointly strive to rid poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of the nation. Ethiopians here and in various parts of the globe have continued forwarding their comments online in various websites in connection with the recent third national election. The online comments being hosted by various websites as monitored here by the Monitoring Service of ENA indicate that the Ethiopians have realized the third national election was successfully conducted in a democratic manner. A commentor named Belete said “Both the governing and the opposition parties should respect the results of the poll.” The Commentor added all contestant parties, while maintaining their differences, should strive together to eliminate poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of Ethiopia. Another commentor named Mesfin said the incumbent government deserves appreciation for showing what real democracy is for the Ethiopian people. “Of all things that this government had done for Ethiopia, I will never forget the important heroism it showed by overthrowing the brutal and fascist Derg communist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam,” he said, adding, “This by itself is a big victory.” Yet, another visitor of the site by the name Ezana said, “despite the many shortcomings we have had while coming to where we are, we have achieved a lot in a short period of time.” Ezana also expressed hope that Ethiopians “will continue to dialogue, debate and at the same time work together for our own sake.” Another commentor named Getaw Cherinet said, “The recent national election is a good start and a great history for Ethiopians at this stage. Please let’s do more and exercise an even better democracy.” Another commentor named Doyoo said, “The Ethiopian people in general and opposition groups in particular have to patiently and peacefully continue the struggle for a true democracy and a united Ethiopia.” “Let us just hope-the best is yet to come to our poor nation,” Doyoo said. =================================== Pol.ethiopia May 31,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new Resources site http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/ From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon May 9 10:05:05 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Observation on the Electoral Politics Message-ID: <20050509080506.36554.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> The Bid For “Partial” Abrogation of the Constitution (Observation on the Electoral Politics) By Getachew Kebede For the past few months, Ethiopia has witnessed un-precedented and encouraging open-ness for political pluralism and democracy. The relative maturity being displayed by the different political parties is one of indicators of progress in the country’s democratization process. The ruling party is demonstrating serious commitment to ensure free and fair election for determining the political direction of the country during the coming five years. Like wise, most opposition parties, including those organized under ethnic and regional platforms, have started showing strong interest in national integration and unity based on greater equity and participation. So, this year’s electoral politics has created hope that fertile ground is already created for truly constructive engagement among different political forces towards sustainable peace and development in the country. In spite of this encouraging trend, this year’s election has also witnessed the emergence of extreme right wing groups bent on aborting the democratic process on the account that it has undermined the country’s age-old political culture. Ethiopia before the initiation of the present democratization process was not known for internal diversity, according to these groups. So, they have now declared intention to “restore” national unity through policies that would reverse the on-going democratization initiated by the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In a televised debate, last Sunday, representatives of the extreme right wing groups told the public that their coalition will abrogate the current Constitution soon after the election. As they have rightly identified, Chapter III of the Constitution carries bill of rights, enforceable by the relevant public institutions. Although these Ultra-rightist groups allude support to “individual rights” they have expressed bitter opposition and rejection to “group rights,” as provided in the Constitution. These are rights currently recognized in Ethiopia not only by the Constitution but also by the different international human rights conventions ratified by the country. In line with their declared political intention, the extreme right wing groups have rejected the country’s federal engagement as divisive and permissive for ethnic, regional and cultural diversity. As part of their strong nostalgia to Ethiopia’s aristocratic past, key spokesmen of these groups openly expressed admiration for the medieval political systems which had created an empire composed of kingdoms and headed by an emperor who was “King of kings.” Therefore, it is becoming clear that what they hate most in the present system is the democratic element, which is naturally alien to their conservative political vision. More unfortunately, the extreme right wing groups are now exercising demagogy loaded with heavy anti-minority rhetoric on the account of their support for the current constitutions system. So, it is again becoming clear that these groups are heading towards a direction, which experiences of many pluralistic societies, such as Rwanda, have proved to be dangerous for the very survival of the country and its nascent democratic system. Is it then proper to abrogate the Constitution through an electoral process? While contemplating this, it is just sufficient to consider the following facts: • The electoral process itself, which is to take place of the third time, has been possible by virtue of this same Constitution. One of the basic and uniformly accepted norms by all contesting political groups, i.e. in addition to denouncing violence as a political means, is adherence to the supremacy of the Constitution. • The Constitution carries amendment procedures, whenever there is a genuine need for it, which requires collective involvement of the federal and state organs duly constituted in accordance with the relevant laws of the country. Yet, the procedures are supposed to be used for amending, not abrogating the Constitution. • It is impermissible under the Constitution, and a flagrant violation of the country’s international obligations, to work towards un-constitutional transfer of power. It is equally un-acceptable to undermine the existing federal and democratic constitutional system. Thus, Ethiopia’s pluralistic democracy is envisaged on a shared commitment to uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the country. Moreover, this is the universal norm almost in all democratic systems through out the world. In the light of these basic facts, it is utterly improper for any of the political groups contesting in the election to instigate people against the constitutional system. Need-less to say, it is by virtue of the Constitution that the election is being exercised freely and with considerable fairness unusual through out Ethiopian history. Before this period, the country had two constitutional systems. During the Emperor’s time, there was a constitution legalizing absolute monarchy. During the Dergue era, there was a constitution, which entrenched totalitarianism. Under both systems, there was no room for multiparty politics and respect for fundamental human rights. Therefore, this is the first constitution in the country’s history, which has come to promote political pluralism, free election, and a system of basic human and democratic rights. It has also established a federal system based on participatory and equitable relationship towards strong national unity among the various ethnic and cultural groups in the county. Previously, under both the Emperor and the Dergue, these divers social groups and cultural communities were strictly controlled, and frequently suppressed, under a centralized unitary system. So, the on-going camping by the extreme right wing groups against the new constitutional system is clearly informed not only by their nostalgia to the past but deep rooted hostility towards the democratization process that empower historically disadvantaged peoples of the country, i.e. including the people of the Amhara nationality. It is a furious move to reverse the wheel of history back to medieval times. While this may turn to be true in explaining their perception of the country’s history, their real political motivation could not be as much naïve as it may appear from the first glance. In fact, one could say with certainty that the extreme right wing parties give greater priority for reaching corridor of power under any pretext or platform. Even in the ongoing debate, they have shown “flexibility” (i.e. non-commitment) in picking up any political agenda which appeared to them profitable in a given circumstance. Therefore, their sensational appeal to evoke public feelings, some times to a point of provoking a crude form of inter-ethnic hatred, seems to be motivated by an interest in gaining support at any cost. In short, such attitude is incompatible with the over all interest of the country. While the participation of the extreme right wing groups in the ongoing electoral process may contribute to enrich the discourse over the country’s political future, it is just a matter of necessity that they should pursue their interest with a sense of responsibility and commitment towards the common good. One of the requirements for this is respect for the shared vision of all political forces in the country, including commitment to uphold the supremacy of the constitution. Again, the tendency to discredit the electoral process on the account of one’s narrowly designed immediate political interest is a serious disservice to the nation. Hopefully our extreme right wing groups will guard against such dangerous temptations. ================================================ Pol.ethiopia May 9,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 15:25:17 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132517.27510.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 15:25:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132527.87393.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 16:06:13 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election 2005 Message-ID: <20050517140613.66239.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> Election 2005: A good early warning By Ambachew Demeke Ethiopia desperately needs a democratic culture that could release the energy and good will of its citizens towards rapid development. Without democracy, it won’t be possible to overcome the challenges that almost every developing country face, under the new international system since 1990’s, a number of state, have failed to ensure continuity primarily dye to lack of democratic governance. Since the departure of Italians in 1941, the people of Ethiopian have missed a lot of good opportunities for development as a result of shortsightedness of the political class. Democratic institutions could have been developed at least by the standard of the rest of African countries. Yet, let alone the institutions, even free press was completely unknown in this country for several decades. Now, it seems that the cause for Ethiopia’s age old problems such as poverty and political instability has been diagnosed. The apparent commitment of the government to ensure democratic governance is certainly a good start along the right direction. The fact that the different political parties could freely submit their case to the public with this level of accommodation is a radical departure from the past. It is a courageous initiative which can only rarely be expected from a government that represents a party running fore election. Ethiopians have been following heated inter-party debate through the media in all parts of the country. Interestingly, the opposition parties have got the greater share of the air time much more that what they could have deserved if apportioned on the basis of one’s seats in the Parliament. Huge demonstrations have been staged in support of the opposition as well as the government, but still with a responsible cooperation of the government controlling power. Critical sections of the society such as university/college students as well as civil societies are freely participating in the process as voters as well as observers. Nearly 80 percent of the eligible population has registered to vote our country. Over 150,000 local observers are working in all polling stations. As a mark of transparency and sense of accountability, large number of international observers is already in Ethiopia to follow up the process. This is just to mention the most glaring features of the ongoing democratization process in this country. While these are all encouraging developments there is one extremely unexpected proposition by one of the major opposition parties. CUO, in its widely circulating election manifesto, has promised its supporters to create a transitional government which will be assigned to draft a new constitution soon after the election. The conventional practice in almost all democratic nations is that any winning party to will proceed and takeover responsibility to govern the country, according to the existing constitution. There was no time when an election has been conducted for abrogating an existing constitution system. Of course constitutions may be amended following the procedure enshrined in the constitution itself. If it happens that the existing amendment procedures are un-necessarily stringent, the procedure itself could be amended in a democratic way. While such possibilities should always remain open, but still no where constitutions have been abrogated or amended through an electoral process. Needless to say, electoral processes, including the present Ethiopian election, can be possible only by virtue of existing constitutional systems. Election is about change of government, not about constitutional abrogation or amendment. These two are completely different processes!! In the present Ethiopian context, this proposition has virtually poisoned the electoral process as it creates sense of insecurity among the various ethnic groups, especially minorities. Indeed, the first stage of the electoral process has witnessed considerable good fith and belongingness by all nationality and cultural groups in the country. The fact that CUD’ election manifesto has proposed to abrogate the portion of the constitution that cover the rights of the various nationality groups and minorities, ahs provoked angry reactions in different parts of the country. No wonder that five of the nine federating states of Ethiopia, including Benshangul, Somali, Afar and Gambella immediately held a joint press conference to express their feeling towards Cud’ proposition. They all explicitly stated that the various ethnic groups living in their respective states would automatically reject any attempt to undermine the present constitutional system. It is worth-noting that these state are not under the control of the ruling party currently. What is important here is a serious sense of insecurity among minorities as well as the larger groups such as Oromia has been created following the indication by CUD not to be bound by the existing constitutional system. This is a good early warning for CUD and other extreme right wing parties as to the possible consequences of such political tendencies. CUD, as a typical extreme right wing group, might have not anticipated such angry reactions to come a day of two after the publication of its election manifesto. In this connection, the statement made by \Prime Minister Meles in a recent interview is clearly a good reminder which deserves adequate attention by all sensible political parties. He reminded the public that, by the time the present constitution was negotiated by different political groups, about ten years ago, there were over 17 ethnic based armed political groups fighting for independence. They all dropped the idea of secession subsequent to the constitutional recognition of their right for self administration and local autonomy. Most observers of Ethiopian Political sense do know very well that by the time the ruling party, EPRDF, toppled the military government, ethnic based agitations for secession was the most common features in Ethiopia. It is quite true that the trend has now been growingly discredited as the various ethnic and cultural groups have come to enjoy a measure of autonomy under the present constitutional system. Once one tends to disrupt the emerging sense of security and belongingness, secessionist tendencies would regain the lost credibility. To be fair, one may understand the desperations and temptations of especially opposition parties during election times. But one should still not confuse election campaign promises with serious political irresponsibility. Once a party mobilizes its constituency under such platforms, it would end up creating a scenario extremely difficult to control under a normal circumstance. It is just advisable to guard against temptations of using impractical and some times irresponsible promises. The latest development in Ethiopia electoral processes is the decision of some of the contesting parties, including the ruling EPRDF, to sign non-violence pact. Given the fact that this year’s election has involved heated debates and completions, added to the apparent inexperience in democratic politics, the pact is a significant step towards completing the process in a peaceful and responsible manner. Again, the fact that CUD has dissociated itself from the agreement has created room for considerable uncertainly as to the actual expectations of the extreme right wing parties in the present election. Suffice to mention that this sort of unfriendly attitude could easily lead to completely un-intended destinations. This is to say that we expect a great deal of maturity and good reasoning from the contending parties. Good Luck!!! =================== Pol.Ethiopia May 17, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 19 11:41:36 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election Message-ID: <20050519094137.4774.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> Ethiopian electoral Process and the Outside World Aseffa Birhane Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, while addressing his party’s supporters, last Saturday, stated that Ethiopia’s most important battle should be against poverty. He seems to allude that electoral victory is not an end by itself. The Prime Minister went further saying that democracy, peace and stability are inseparably related to the poverty reduction strategy. The logic is simply this: With out democracy, there can be no lasting peace and stability. And without these two, poverty reduction is definitely unthinkable. Ethiopia is the third most populous country in Africa and the bulk of the population live below poverty line. Probably the Prime Minister had this picture in mind when he repeatedly reminded the public that democracy for Ethiopia is not a choice but a question of national survival. As part of the current initiatives towards nation development, the government is pursuing an open-door policy towards the outside world. In the past, Ethiopia was known for extra-ordinary sensitivity towards any critical comment by outsiders. Now, one could easily observe that there is unprecedented rate of open-ness and accommodation. There is renewed interest in forging extensive development partnership with the donor community. There is interest in amore principled association with the rest of Africa. There is a new sense of confidence in playing a more positive role that can ensure lasting peace and stability in the Horn region. Ethiopian foreign policy is now based primarily on the domestic vital interests of the country. These would include democracy, durable peace and sustainable development as a means for realizing the country’s poverty reduction strategy. This is definitely a positive development for the country and equally for those who would like to maintain sustainable partnership with Ethiopia. Nothing could be sustainable when it is based on short term interests that neglect the genuine aspirations of the people of the country, especially the poor and disprivileged sectors of the society. During the Emperor’s time, the Ethiopian government had a sense of impunity while committing all sorts of atrocity against its own citizens. That was a false sense of confidence based on un-conditional loyalty to the West especially the US. At the end, the emperor’s government proved used-less for itself as well as for its international partners as the country eventually fell under community dictatorship. Later, the Dergue followed the same route while establishing relationship with the Soviet bloc. In both cases, the mistake lied in the attitude of the governments of the day concerning the vital national interests of the country and its people. This is why one could dare to say with certainty that the current initiatives towards greater and constructive open-ness should be encouraged, and not abused on account of one’s short term, and sometimes misconceived interests. As part of the recent positive developments in the country, a large number of international observers have been invited to follow up the election which is just few days away. Observers representing the Carter Center, European Union, African Union and the Arab League are currently working through out the country. Recently observers who have come from Japan, china, and India have joined them to take part in the process. Ethiopia has recently introduced Observer’s Code of conduct which is compatible to most internationally recognized standards. It has opend up wider room for the international observers to bring irregularities to the attention of the Election Board. The restrictions are the same as those applicable even in the well developed democracies. For instance, observers are required not to interfere, say, by making comments that would influence the electorate and by releasing pre-emptive reports while the electoral process is going on. So far,. The international observers are working freely along-side over 150,000 local observers. Mean while, there has been indication that certain foreign circles try to influence the electoral process on the account of misconceived interests. For instance, the Us based National Endowment for Democracy has reportedly required the Ethiopian government to allow opposition political parties hold considerable number of seats in the parliament. More interestingly, this is posed as conditionality for recognizing and legitimizing Ethiopia’s democratization process. No doubt that this sort of intervention is un-necessary and may be offensive not only to the government but also to the opposition as well. For instance, it just gives an impression as if opposition parties are out to serve foreign interests. This apparently partisan requirement has not bee the norm and the practice anywhere, including the western world. Needless to say, no one but the electorate has to determine who should get what in the election. In this connection, it is worth-mentioning that the expulsion of a few individuals representing three U.S-based organizations including-the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican institute (IRI) and the International Foundation for Electoral systems (IFES) have provoked furious reaction against the Ethiopian government. These persons were found working as observes with out registering properly in compliance with the laws of the country, according to government report. It seems to be the norm that every sovereign state requires foreign observers to identify them-selves and register in a transparent and legitimate way. One would wonder what could have been the fate of such cases, say, if detected in any of the American electoral process. In any case, what is more astonishing is that the reaction which the incident has come to provoke is not only unreasonable but quite discouraging and unfriendly. In the mean time, the same critics have not been fair enough to take note of any of the positive initiatives being taken in the present Ethiopian electoral process. The protracted inter-party debates and extensive public interest and participation is not common in Africa. The active role of the judiciary to protect, among others, the right of civil societies to take part in the process at various levels and the fast growing free press, the high level participation of women as candidate for seats in the federal and regional parliaments, and the like should have attracted positive coverage, if not appreciation, Such un-sensitive attitudes can not be fair to Ethiopia and to any developing country aspiring to join the modern world as democratic polity. Thus, instead of such apparently self centered dispositions, Ethiopia’s development partners should aim attaining amore respectable objective. They should care and support the people of this historically disadvantaged country by playing a constructive role in electoral process and the over all national effort towards development. If democracy is firmly established in Ethiopia, whose population constitutes half of the inhabitants of the Horn; it will definitely help to stabilize the region as a whole. Thus, the out side world especially countries having immediate and long term strategic interests in the region should encourage the Ethiopian government, the opposition and the people at large to work collectively towards the democratization of their country. Democratic and prosperous Ethiopia will certainly be a more dependable prater for the free and peace loving world. The international observers currently working in Ethiopia are widely expected to demonstrate their commitment to this noble cause by observing high professional and ethical standards in the process. ======================== Pol.Ethiopia May 19, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 26 10:09:46 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526080946.8937.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> May 24, 2005 Democratization of election great victory for Ethiopians: EPRDF ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said that the democratization and uniqueness of the election that had been confirmed by the peoples of Ethiopia and the international community as well, was a great victory for the entire Ethiopians. In a statement issued yesterday in connection with the Front’s Executive Committee regular session held May 21-22, 2005, it said that such democracy is achieved due to the fact that the entire Ethiopians have been dedicated to make the election flawless. The Front has also expressed its appreciation to those Ethiopians who made outstanding contribution in various ways to make the election democratic. It said EPRDF understands that election is a situation in which citizens can elect contestants whom they believe can work for their benefit freely. Moreover, the statement said, not only those people who cast their votes have their contribution in making the elections flawless but also those who did not vote. Pointing out that most of the people were having doubt that whether the election would be democratic or not, it said those who cast votes lining up in queues until mid-night have contributed their share towards the success of the election. The statement said that the Front believes that the counting of votes would also be democratic and reflect the interest of the public at large. Accordingly, it said, the Front would work hard for the fairness of the counting of votes. EPRDF would also create situations conducive to settling complaints over election regularities according to the law. The Front would also hand over the Addis Ababa City Administration power to the winning party in the set time table, the statement said. EPRDF would also like to confirm that it would continue to extend support the city administration used to get from the Federal Government, as it has been doing in the past. The statement said the Front also understands clearly the meaning of message of those people who did not vote for EPRDF. EPRDF has practically tested policies and strategies that have brought about good results, it said, adding that the problem found in this regard is their implementation. Accordingly, maintaining and continuing those policies and strategies which can help achieve good results the Front said, adding that EPRDF clearly understands the appropriateness of making remedies on implementation problems in consultation with the public. It also expressed its belief that the people would contribute their share in the improvements of the implementation. The Front is ready to create forums that would enable it consult with the public on relevant issues, the statement said. The statement also congratulated members and supporters of EPRDF for fulfilling their objectives through making the Front victorious both in the process and result of the democratic election. The statement said while entering the election, EPRDF had expressed its determination to make the conduct peaceful, democratic and flawless as well as its confidence to win the election. It added that the Front has realized its goal of conducting a democratic and peaceful election by ultimately relying on its members and supporters. The statement said EPRDF has won votes to form a government at Federal and State levels, and as such, the Front has won a decisive victory to continue implementing its good policies and strategies. The Front also called upon its members and supporters to urgently enter into the implementation of EPRDF’s programmes with much vigour and resolve. The international community has closely observed the discipline manifested by members of EPRDF who strictly abide by the Election Code of Conduct prepared by the Front, the statement said. The statement added while our members and supporters work in strict observance of the Code of Conduct, it was confirmed that opposition parties were engaged in various illegal and anti-democratic activities going against the electoral law. While EPRDF recognizes that the illegal activities deliberately committed by opposition parties were infuriating and deplorable, the statement said, however, it must be stressed that the ultimate solution for such activities is democratic struggle. The Front urged its members and supporters to strengthen the legitimate and peacefull struggle by relying on the Front’s capacity of rectifying mistakes through a democratic process. The statement said EPRDF recognizes that its supporters do believe the policy and strategy it is pursuing to bring about development and ensure a democratic system is appropriate. It also said that the Front is also cognizant that there are numerous points its supporters would like to get improved with regard to implementation of the policy and strategy, adding the Front is much more ready than ever to work in consultation with its supporters to adopt necessary changes in relation to implementation. The statement said rigorous efforts would be needed to intensify the good practices demonstrated during policy implementation and take corrective measures in the weaknesses. The statement said the issue of increasing productivity should be given special attention taking advantage of the favourable weather condition in the current main rainy season. The statement said members of the Front and supporters at the various levels need to work relentlessly with more vigour and stamina during the development work in the main rainy season as they did in the past to achieve rapid development and for the good of the public. The statement said cognizant of the decisive role of the anti-poverty struggle for the materialization of democracy and the political objectives of the Front, EPRDF has urged the public to remain much more committed for the realization work in the main rainy season. EPRDF is well aware that all its members and supporters believe that the Front should establish government as per the law at Federal and State levels where it emerged victorious, while putting strong pressure to hand over power in areas where oppositions won, the statement said. EPRDF considers as appropriate the idea forwarded by its members and supporters that the Front should establish a government where it won the upper hand, the statement said, however, it said, the Front underscore that this should take place pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations. Thus, the statement said, the Front would peacefully and legally hand over power here in the capital city where an opposition party has won the elections. This transition of power, though limited to the capital Addis Ababa, a huge responsibility is entrusted upon the public to make such transition of power, which is the first of its kind in the history of the country, peaceful and civilized. The statement also said EPRDF expressed its determination to realize this peaceful transition of power collectively with the general public. All Ethiopians who voted and did not vote for EPRDF opened in unison a new chapter of democracy in the country by putting aside destructive agitations. The public has, indeed, enabled the elections to be conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner by ignoring the rigorous destructive campaigns by some elements. This is a grand victory of peace, democracy and sovereignty, the statement said. The Front called upon all Ethiopians to foil destructive agitations before it they arouses animosity and hatred among people. Numerous scholars, entrepreneurs and other segments of the public have extended strong support in organized and individual level during the election process towards the realization of EPRDF’s objectives and the on-going peace, development and democratic system in the country. The statement said understanding the importance of working hand-in-hand to keep up the positive achievements and do away with faults in a peaceful and democratic struggle, EPRDF expressed its readiness to jointly work with all its partners within spirit of cooperation than ever. “This historic chapter has brought both good opportunities for Ethiopia and its people as well as a danger that could possibly erupt due to silly mistakes, the statement said,” and added, “we can sustain the benefits of the public only through employing the good opportunities in a constructive way.” The statement further said the time demands avoiding emotions and thinking critically, and added that by drawing lessons from experiences over the past years, EPRDF has designed a reform programme to be implemented during the next five years. EPRDF has readied itself towards the execution of this development and peace programme working with all the Ethiopian people in the spirit of cooperation. The Front also indicated that it will soon publicize the reform and development programme and called upon the Ethiopian people to finalize the on-going reform activities, nurture their fundamental rights and benefits as well as utilize the democratic culture for the advancement of the nation. Winner, loser parties should jointly rescue the country from poverty: Prof. Kinfe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Professor Kinfe Abraham said both winners and losers of the elections should work in collaboration in a bid to get the country out of poverty. In an interview with the English Service of the Voice of America (VOA) and the German’s Deutsche Welle Radio, Prof. Kinfe said contesting political parties have the duty to avoid their controversies and jointly work to brink the country out of the prevailing problems. The winner party has also the responsibility to fulfill its promises to the public, he added. Pointing out that contesting parties have registered various results at various constituencies, Prof. Kinfe said both winners and losers should jointly shoulder national responsibilities. Though all contesting parties entered the competition expecting victory, they should honourably accept the results they obtained, Prof. Kinfe added. According to Prof. Kinfe, the 90 per cent voter turnout as well as the enthusiasm observed among the electorate on the polling day were historic and manifestations of the public’s aspiration for a democratic order. As election is the first phase of any democratic administration, the losers and winners should accept the outcome of the election and mobilize the public for development. Prof. Kinfe further said as state administrations lack material capacity to fully alleviate problems of a city, a party that won in various states need to jointly work with the Federal Government and other states. According to Prof. Kinfe, a party needs 275 seats in the parliament to form the Federal Government while it requires two-third majority seats to introduce new legislation. As Addis Ababa is a city with various international organizations such as the AU, the ECA and more than 100 diplomatic missions, dialogue would be required between the Federal Government and the opposition party that won in the city in order for things to go smoothly. The two have to have thaw will to listen to each other and they have to be prepared to make essential compromises, he added. Ethiopia negotiating accession to WTO ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – An official with the Ministry of Trade and Industry says Ethiopia is in the process of becoming a member is in the process of becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). While addressing a National Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills which kicked off here yesterday, WTO Affairs Department Head with the Ministry, Habtamu Tadesse said Ethiopia has prepared a memorandum of understanding of foreign trade law which depicts its laws and policies. He said Ethiopia requested to be a member of the WTO in 2003, adding that the country was then permitted to become a member after going through a month-long negotiating. However, he added, to enter the negotiation phase, it was imperative first to adopt a law. In order to be competitive in the world market, Ethiopian products should be improved in quality, he said. He also said institutionalization was much needed than ever. Attracting foreign trade, resolving trade-related disputes as well as building institutional capacity were among the major benefits of becoming a WTO member, he said. Dr. Dickson Yeboah, Counselor and Head of Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation of Africa Unit with WTO, said the liberalization of varies to foreign direct investment in the services sector was the most important source of gains from WTO accession. “IF Ethiopia joined the WTO, there would be a significant increase in foreign direct investment and an increase in multinational firms operating in the business services sector in Ethiopia,” Yeboah said. Entered into force on 1st of January 1995 with 76 members, WTO has to date 148 member countries. Close to 30 countries including Ethiopia, Algeria, Cape Verde, Libya, the Sudan and Guinea are in the process of negotiating their accessions according to Yeboah. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 26,2005 ============================ __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Use Yahoo! to plan a weekend, have fun online and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/ From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 26 15:10:51 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526131051.21377.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> May 26, 2005 Meles equates victory in election to victory over military regime ADDIS ABABA (WIC) – Chairman of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the victory his party has attained in the recent election is no less than the victory scored by overthrowing the military regime on May 28, fourteen years ago. In an exclusive interview with Radio Fana Tuesday, Meles said the victory over the Derg military regime has culminated in the May 15, 2005 election. He said as May 15 is an amazing day when supporters and opponents of the government legally and peacefully staged rallies, waited from dawn to midnight to cast their ballots; it is a victory day no less than May 28 to the Front and the public. The Premier said EPRDF has achieved its two goals in making the elections credible and flawless nationally and internationally as well as securing majority seats at federal and state levels so as to fulfill its objectives of attaining peace, development and democracy. In this regard, he said, the Front has succeeded in meeting the targets Opposition parties were given adequate space and air time in print and bradcast media to introduce their platforms, while EPRDF has prepared a Code of Conduct for its members as part of the commitment to make the election smooth and flawless. He also said the election was conducted in a peaceful manner against the earlier speculations by both local and foreign political observers that it would not be held in a democratic manner. As it turned out, he said, the election proved to be exemplary to other countries as it has been witnessed by foreign election observers. The Chairman, however, said daunting challenges had to be surpassed to conclude the process democratically. Meles said the culmination of the May 28 victory and that of May 15 election victory are the two greatest victories which have made him proud of his party. According to the Chairman, although EPRDF is defeated in Addis Ababa, it has secured the public consent by winning majority seats at federal level to rule the country for the coming five years. He recalled that EPRDF has mainly rallied farmers behind it during the election, while galvanizing supporters from urban dwellers, adding that his part has won and lost votes both in rural and urban areas. Meles attributed the defeat of his party to the highly orchestrated campaign unleashed by opposition parties belittling EPRDF’s strengths and on part of the public to the prevalent discontents with implementation problems and other mistakes committed by the party. According to Meles, the winning of majority seats in the parliament is a testimony to EPRDF’s correct approach employed during the election debates against the opposition parties which have no detailed and plausible alternatives. He said the oppositions are similar in their stance of defying and changing the Constitution, adding that there was even a situation where the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and some civil societies have been sympathizers to the opposition parties. The Chairman said work on addressing some problems witnessed during the election are underway through the proper ways, adding that the achievement of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in coordinating the election under such conditions flawlessly can be cited among the great victories. He meanwhile, assured the general public not to be disturbed by alarmists who predict that disturbances may arise in the country as no force could threaten the peaceful coexistence of the people. Meles also reiterated the government’s readiness to prevent any eventualities that may occur following the election. He said the government would respect the verdict of the voters in Addis where it would hand over the administration of the city to the winner party which would be administered in accordance with the charter and held accountable to the Federal Government. The ongoing development works would be finalized until the handing over of the authority, he said. The upcoming authority has the right to expand or discard altogether the plans outlined by the previous administration. Meles asserted that EPRDF would continue to be genuine opposition is Addis, while a ruling party at federal level. He added that EPRDF would work hard to rectify policy implementation problems witnessed around urban areas. Meles also said although the Addis Ababa City Administration is accountable to the Federal Government, it has its own charter and the EPRDF has no reason to change it. While responding to questions raised by listeners of Radio Fana in connection with the 14th anniversary of the snowfall of the Derg regime, Meles said the new administration has the responsibility of administering kebele houses, levying and collecting taxes including the right to reduce and cancel tax arrears. He also said the new administration has the right to resume or abandon the small and micro trade activities as well as the construction of condominium houses launched earlier by EPRDF. It has the right to govern the residents of the city in line with the charter and in collaboration with the Federal Government. Meles stated that the transfer of power in Addis Ababa would be conduced in a peaceful way whereby the winner party would set up a committee and the loser also creates a body to flawlessly handover of the administration of the city. Asked on the wishes of the opposition to change the constitution, he said if the opposition parties can change the constitution legally that would be acceptable as its is a democratic process, but resorting to other ways that endanger the constitution would force the concerned government bodies to discharge their responsibilities by taking appropriate measures. On a question raised about his views on some private newspapers that instigate chaos and violence, Meles said at this juncture the activities of the free press can be evaluated from the perspective of politics and the law. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri May 27 15:17:31 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050527131731.51222.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 27, 2005 Meles holds talks with Annan, Solana, Taha ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received and held talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, EU Secretary General Koffi Annan, EU high Commissioner for Foreign and Security Policy Javier Sloana and First Vice President of Sudan Ali Osman Mohammed Taha. The talks Prime Minister Meles held separately with Annan, Solana and Taha focused on the May 15 national elections, the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Darfur, the peace process in Somalia as well as other regional and international issues. During talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia stands strongly committed to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful and only peaceful means. Prime Minister Meles briefed Annan about the peace processes in Sudan and Somalia, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. Kofi Annan on the occasion has expressed his appreciation to the peaceful conclusion of the third HPR and state council elections in Ethiopia and congratulated the people and government of Ethiopia. The official quoted Annan as saying that contesting political parties to accept the results whatever it may be and work in the spirit of cooperation. The official also quoted Annan as saying that Ethiopia’s stand to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful means is commendable. Annan expressed satisfaction over the efforts being exerted in Ethiopia to meet the millennium development goals and optimism that the country can realize the MDGs provided that donors increase their support. Prime Minister Meles and Javier Solana discussed at length about the May 15 national elections. Solana after the talks told journalists that in addition to the election, discussions with Prime Minister Meles focused on the Darfur peace process and the role African Union has been playing. Similarly, during talks with Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia has been providing significant support in the peace process in Sudan. Meles pledged that Ethiopia will continue to support the efforts towards the realization of the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan. Taha after the talks told journalists that the situation in Darfur is improving. The government of Sudan is working with a spirit of cooperation with AU’s mission in Sudan (AMIS) towards bringing about peace in Darfur. He said discussion with Prime Minister Meles included the Ethio-Sudan bilateral cooperation and indicated that the Ministerial Commission of the two countries has been stepped up to the level of heads of government. The Commission will hold its meeting late next month in Khartoum, he said. U.S. expanding anti-HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia: L.Tobias ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – United States Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Randall L. Tobias said that the U.S. has greatly increased HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia in the last two years. The U.S has been providing an unprecedented 73 million USD to support HIV/AIDS activities in Ethiopia during the current year. Speaking at a press conference held in connection with the 2nd Annual Field Meeting of Presidents Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief, Ambassador Tobias said that Ethiopian is among the strongest partners of the U.S in the campaign launched to fight HIV/AIDS world wide. Ambassador Tobias also said that the US is currently working with both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and a wide variety of other organizations including faith communities such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Many Ethiopian community organizations have also been involved with a view to ensuring sustainability of the HIV/AIDS relief program which focused on providing treatment, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), he said. According to Ambassador Tobias, the programme has been supplying anti-retroviral drug treatment for 9,500 people in Ethiopia since September 2004, while the number is certainly much higher at present. “We also realize that food is an important issue here. We are seeking opportunities to partner with food programmes, including those of the U.S government, so that we can link them to the HIV/AIDS services we support”, he said. Ethiopia is hosting the President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Second Annual Field Meeting bringing together over 350 people from over 20 nations to identify and explore best practices in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic. Parties ordered to back complaints with evidences ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has ordered all political parties that had submitted complaints to attach their supposed evidences. The Board passed the order at a meeting held yesterday calling on parties that submitted complaints to attach evidence until June 1. NEBE Political Parties’ Registration Office said not less that 220 complaints have so far been submitted in 54 letters. Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said that EPRDF as well as CUD and its member parties have submitted the complaints jointly and separately. AFDM and other parties of regional status have also submitted complaints, he said. Commission licenses 30 bln. birr investment projects ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Investment Commission says that it has given licence to 2,200 investors with an aggregate capital of 30 billion birr over the past nine months. The influx of investors in Ethiopia is steadily growing. Commissioner Abi Wolde-Meskel told ENA yesterday that 470 of the investors were foreigners with a combined capital of ten billion birr. He said most of the entrepreneurs who received the licence from the Commission and investment bureaus have been engaged in industrial sector. Abi said that others have been involved in the agricultural sector particularly in floriculture, hotel and tourism, education, health and construction activities. He also said Ethiopia was increasingly becoming investment destination due to the various incentives being provided to entrepreneurs and other investment-friendly atmosphere in the country. Abi said that fact that licences were given to 450 foreign investors within a period of nine months compared to 500 given in the period between July 1984 E.C. – June 1995 E.C was indicative of the growing development of the sector. He attributed the development of the sector to the existing transparent rules and regulations, improved working procedures of governmental offices and the adoption of sound policy. Abi said the current investment promotion system focuses particularly on priority areas of the industrial sector that are believed to bring in relative benefits to the country, like leather and leather products, textile, meat, fruit and vegetables, agro-industry and hotel and tourism sectors. The Commissioner said that Ethiopia has been beneficiary of tariff and quota free access given for developing countries, adding that products exported to the US, Canada and Europe are entering the market tariff free. Fruits and vegetables, meat as well as other agricultural products were in high demand in Arab countries, Abi said, adding that in some countries there was a shortage in the supply side of Ethiopian products. The Commissioner said the government would extend the necessary support and encouragement to any investor keen to engage in the sector. Similarly, the Dire Dawa Interim Administration Investment Agency said it has licensed investors who registered nearly three billion birr capital over the past 12 years. Agency Representative Alemayehu Kassahun said that the licensed investors are carrying out 452 projects in ten various sectors. He said the projects include agricultural development, establishment of a food complex, real-estate development, construction of warehouse, trade, hotel and tourism, among others. Among the projects licensed, he said, 16 were being carried out in partnership with local and foreign investors. Some 75 projects, which have already been finalized, have created 2,122 jobs while others are in progress, Alemayehu said, adding it is expected that over 15,400 citizens would get jobs upon completion of all the projects. Land lease price has been revised to encourage investors, he said, adding that 90 hectare has been demarcated as an industrial zone with the necessary infrastructure in the town. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 27,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 31 13:42:07 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Tue Apr 17 18:19:43 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050531114207.16262.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 31, 2005 Political parties, Board discuss ways of handling post-election activities By Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and political parties that contested election 2005 have discussed ways of handling post-election activities. At a Joint Forum meeting held at the Board’s Head Office yesterday, the political parties thoroughly discussed ways of dealing with irregularities and presentation of evidences to their complaints. They have also discussed ways in which preliminary results are being announced through the mass media. Accordingly, the political parties and the Board agreed to form a committee comprising of the contestant political parties, the Board and observers to deal with the irregularities. However, the Board indicated that it would only investigate areas for which legitimate accusation documents and witnesses would be produced. According to Board Chairman Kemal Bedri, the accusations have to be substantiated with relevant documents and witnesses. “This does not mean that the witnesses would appear in person at the Board. The political parties can only cite the polling station, the witness and other relevant documents and the Board, along with the would-be committee, investigate and handle the case,” he added. Regarding international observers, the Board has shown its readiness to accept their involvement but could not force them to do so. Representative of EPRDF said that the Front would accept the decision of the Board to involve foreign observers. Oppositions, however, strongly oppose to the idea and underscored the need for their involvement. “The international observers must involve themselves to any degree which they want to involve themselves,” they said. Speaking of the provisional results being displayed, the EPRDF representative said that results have been posted at the polling stations since the next day right after the election and at constituency levels after five days. He said that this shows that the activities were transparent and their announcement by the Board wouldn’t cast any shadow over the investigation process, as it is temporary. Opposition parties representatives on their part accused the Board of displaying the preliminary results without investigating the areas where alleged irregularities have occurred. According to Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), irregularities have occurred at 156 constituencies to which it has lodged complaints. The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) also complains of irregularities at 79 constituencies. Accordingly, the Board shouldn’t have disclosed the preliminary results, they added. The Board on its part indicated that it has been dealing with the case properly and process shows its transparency Kemal said that the Board would only explain to the public the concept of preliminary result through the mass media. The Chairman also said that there would be a possibility of postponing the final election result announcement in consideration of the points raised by the political parties at the Forum. Ethiopians in Diaspora call upon political parties to respect poll results, jointly strive to eliminate poverty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Ethiopians have called on political parties who took part in the recent national elections to respect the results of the poll and jointly strive to rid poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of the nation. Ethiopians here and in various parts of the globe have continued forwarding their comments online in various websites in connection with the recent third national election. The online comments being hosted by various websites as monitored here by the Monitoring Service of ENA indicate that the Ethiopians have realized the third national election was successfully conducted in a democratic manner. A commentor named Belete said “Both the governing and the opposition parties should respect the results of the poll.” The Commentor added all contestant parties, while maintaining their differences, should strive together to eliminate poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of Ethiopia. Another commentor named Mesfin said the incumbent government deserves appreciation for showing what real democracy is for the Ethiopian people. “Of all things that this government had done for Ethiopia, I will never forget the important heroism it showed by overthrowing the brutal and fascist Derg communist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam,” he said, adding, “This by itself is a big victory.” Yet, another visitor of the site by the name Ezana said, “despite the many shortcomings we have had while coming to where we are, we have achieved a lot in a short period of time.” Ezana also expressed hope that Ethiopians “will continue to dialogue, debate and at the same time work together for our own sake.” Another commentor named Getaw Cherinet said, “The recent national election is a good start and a great history for Ethiopians at this stage. Please let’s do more and exercise an even better democracy.” Another commentor named Doyoo said, “The Ethiopian people in general and opposition groups in particular have to patiently and peacefully continue the struggle for a true democracy and a united Ethiopia.” “Let us just hope-the best is yet to come to our poor nation,” Doyoo said. =================================== Pol.ethiopia May 31,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new Resources site http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/ From polethiopia at yahoo.com Mon May 9 10:05:05 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Observation on the Electoral Politics Message-ID: <20050509080506.36554.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> The Bid For “Partial” Abrogation of the Constitution (Observation on the Electoral Politics) By Getachew Kebede For the past few months, Ethiopia has witnessed un-precedented and encouraging open-ness for political pluralism and democracy. The relative maturity being displayed by the different political parties is one of indicators of progress in the country’s democratization process. The ruling party is demonstrating serious commitment to ensure free and fair election for determining the political direction of the country during the coming five years. Like wise, most opposition parties, including those organized under ethnic and regional platforms, have started showing strong interest in national integration and unity based on greater equity and participation. So, this year’s electoral politics has created hope that fertile ground is already created for truly constructive engagement among different political forces towards sustainable peace and development in the country. In spite of this encouraging trend, this year’s election has also witnessed the emergence of extreme right wing groups bent on aborting the democratic process on the account that it has undermined the country’s age-old political culture. Ethiopia before the initiation of the present democratization process was not known for internal diversity, according to these groups. So, they have now declared intention to “restore” national unity through policies that would reverse the on-going democratization initiated by the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. In a televised debate, last Sunday, representatives of the extreme right wing groups told the public that their coalition will abrogate the current Constitution soon after the election. As they have rightly identified, Chapter III of the Constitution carries bill of rights, enforceable by the relevant public institutions. Although these Ultra-rightist groups allude support to “individual rights” they have expressed bitter opposition and rejection to “group rights,” as provided in the Constitution. These are rights currently recognized in Ethiopia not only by the Constitution but also by the different international human rights conventions ratified by the country. In line with their declared political intention, the extreme right wing groups have rejected the country’s federal engagement as divisive and permissive for ethnic, regional and cultural diversity. As part of their strong nostalgia to Ethiopia’s aristocratic past, key spokesmen of these groups openly expressed admiration for the medieval political systems which had created an empire composed of kingdoms and headed by an emperor who was “King of kings.” Therefore, it is becoming clear that what they hate most in the present system is the democratic element, which is naturally alien to their conservative political vision. More unfortunately, the extreme right wing groups are now exercising demagogy loaded with heavy anti-minority rhetoric on the account of their support for the current constitutions system. So, it is again becoming clear that these groups are heading towards a direction, which experiences of many pluralistic societies, such as Rwanda, have proved to be dangerous for the very survival of the country and its nascent democratic system. Is it then proper to abrogate the Constitution through an electoral process? While contemplating this, it is just sufficient to consider the following facts: • The electoral process itself, which is to take place of the third time, has been possible by virtue of this same Constitution. One of the basic and uniformly accepted norms by all contesting political groups, i.e. in addition to denouncing violence as a political means, is adherence to the supremacy of the Constitution. • The Constitution carries amendment procedures, whenever there is a genuine need for it, which requires collective involvement of the federal and state organs duly constituted in accordance with the relevant laws of the country. Yet, the procedures are supposed to be used for amending, not abrogating the Constitution. • It is impermissible under the Constitution, and a flagrant violation of the country’s international obligations, to work towards un-constitutional transfer of power. It is equally un-acceptable to undermine the existing federal and democratic constitutional system. Thus, Ethiopia’s pluralistic democracy is envisaged on a shared commitment to uphold the Constitution as the supreme law of the country. Moreover, this is the universal norm almost in all democratic systems through out the world. In the light of these basic facts, it is utterly improper for any of the political groups contesting in the election to instigate people against the constitutional system. Need-less to say, it is by virtue of the Constitution that the election is being exercised freely and with considerable fairness unusual through out Ethiopian history. Before this period, the country had two constitutional systems. During the Emperor’s time, there was a constitution legalizing absolute monarchy. During the Dergue era, there was a constitution, which entrenched totalitarianism. Under both systems, there was no room for multiparty politics and respect for fundamental human rights. Therefore, this is the first constitution in the country’s history, which has come to promote political pluralism, free election, and a system of basic human and democratic rights. It has also established a federal system based on participatory and equitable relationship towards strong national unity among the various ethnic and cultural groups in the county. Previously, under both the Emperor and the Dergue, these divers social groups and cultural communities were strictly controlled, and frequently suppressed, under a centralized unitary system. So, the on-going camping by the extreme right wing groups against the new constitutional system is clearly informed not only by their nostalgia to the past but deep rooted hostility towards the democratization process that empower historically disadvantaged peoples of the country, i.e. including the people of the Amhara nationality. It is a furious move to reverse the wheel of history back to medieval times. While this may turn to be true in explaining their perception of the country’s history, their real political motivation could not be as much naïve as it may appear from the first glance. In fact, one could say with certainty that the extreme right wing parties give greater priority for reaching corridor of power under any pretext or platform. Even in the ongoing debate, they have shown “flexibility” (i.e. non-commitment) in picking up any political agenda which appeared to them profitable in a given circumstance. Therefore, their sensational appeal to evoke public feelings, some times to a point of provoking a crude form of inter-ethnic hatred, seems to be motivated by an interest in gaining support at any cost. In short, such attitude is incompatible with the over all interest of the country. While the participation of the extreme right wing groups in the ongoing electoral process may contribute to enrich the discourse over the country’s political future, it is just a matter of necessity that they should pursue their interest with a sense of responsibility and commitment towards the common good. One of the requirements for this is respect for the shared vision of all political forces in the country, including commitment to uphold the supremacy of the constitution. Again, the tendency to discredit the electoral process on the account of one’s narrowly designed immediate political interest is a serious disservice to the nation. Hopefully our extreme right wing groups will guard against such dangerous temptations. ================================================ Pol.ethiopia May 9,2005 =========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 15:25:17 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132517.27510.qmail@web53305.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 15:25:27 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050517132527.87393.qmail@web53301.mail.yahoo.com> May 17, 2005 Electoral Board says voting completes successfully Carter Centre lauds election process promising By Aregu Balleh ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) announced that national elections held Sunday for the House of Peoples’ Representatives and State Council were completed successfully. Briefing local and foreign journalists regarding the voting process yesterday, Board Chairman Kemal Bedri said that the elections were held across the nation with unprecedented high voter turnout and in a peaceful manner. Over 90 per cent of registered voters are estimated to have voted across the country, Kemal added. The successful completion of the election process shows that Ethiopians cherish democracy, Kemal said, and gave the credit to the people at large and over 150,000 election officers who did their level best for this to happen. However, some minor problems were reported to have been encountered during the election in some parts of the country, Kemal said. Some students at the Alemaya and Bahir Dar Universities were not able to cast their votes due to shortage of ballot papers, he said, adding that the Board has decided to dispatch the materials soon so that students would be able to vote in these constituencies this week. Wrong ballots were also sent to Zeise and Shinasha special constituencies in the Benshangul-Gumuz State and Gamo Gofa Zone respectively and voters who did not vote as a result of the inconveniences would cast their votes this week, he added. The results of the votes at the poling stations would be posted as soon and the counting is completed, Kemal said, adding that the final results would be announced on June 8 after the results at constituency level are added to the results of the university students. Meanwhile, the Carter Centre said that the election showed a great promise in the depending of Ethiopian democracy. In a press briefing the Centre gave yesterday regarding the highlights of its observations of the election process, Founder of the Centre former US President Jimmy Carter remarked that for the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. He said Ethiopia has made tremendous stride towards democracy in the last several months including more open debates, greater political participation, large rallies and enormously higher voter turnout on Election Day. The Centre deployed an observers team of 50 drawn from 17 countries including, his wife, former Botswana President and former Tanzanian Prime Minister to seven states as well as Dire Dawa and Addis Ababa, he said. Some irregularities in procedures, most notably absence of checking ID cards and in some areas voter cards were observed and large number of underage voters were also witnessed in rural areas of Soro polling stations in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples State (SNNPS), Carter said. Voter turnout was overwhelming and citizens had to wait in long lines with patience, Carter added. He said the Centre would continue to observe the aftermath of the election and would issue a final report in compliance with the Code of Conduct of the International Observers. The former president called upon parties, candidates and voters to be patient for the process to reach its conclusion and urged to pursue and concerns and complaints through the processes under NEBE, and to avoid inflammatory statements. Electoral Executive says EPRDF wins landslide victory at federal level and four states CUD says wins majority vote in Addis Ababa, other major towns ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Electoral Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said EPRDF had won a landslide victory in the Federal and State Parliamentary elections in Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples State, Oromia, Amhara and Tigray states that would enable it to form a Federal Government and State Governments in the stated four states. In a statement it sent to ENA yesterday, the Committee said the Front had won the majority seats in federal and state councils in the four states. It said the Front had not won the seats in the Federal Parliament and State Councils in the Addis Ababa City Administration. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) said it had won majority votes in Addis Ababa and other major towns in the country. CUD Executives said in a news conference they gave here yesterday, their party had won in all constituencies with the exception of two, whose results are not yet known, in Addis Ababa City Administration. The Executives, said the result of the election had not reached to the party so far from the National Electoral Board. CUD had won a majority vote in the towns, where the CUD had contested. They also availed themselves to express their disappointment over the prohibition of demonstration and gathering before the completion of casting votes in a statement given by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Sunday. Premier appreciates electorate civility, congratulates Ethiopian people for voting successful completion Gov’t imposes one-month outdoor gathering, demonstration ban in Addis ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi appreciated the civility of the electorate who cast votes by turning en masse to polling stations so calmly all daylong Sunday, and congratulated the Ethiopian people for the successful conduct of the elections, which he said has never been seen in the history of the country. He declared his government’s decision that any outdoor gathering and demonstration is banned for a month in Addis beginning Monday, May 8,2005. In a statement he gave late Sunday, Prime Minister Meles said that his government had facilitated all the means to have enable the conduct of democratic, free and fair election. Meles said that the courteousness the people displayed while waiting in long queues to vote was yet another source of pride for the nation. He said the huge voter turnout and their active participation all through the election process shows the growing democratic culture in Ethiopia/ Meles said that the result of voting will be announced within a short period of time, and called on all contending parties to accept the results with grace. He said the voting process on Sunday was greatly alleviated by the foreign observers, who he said, came from countries advanced in their democratic culture. He said that in spite of severe logistics constraints, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has done a great job and should be commended for the success. Meles meanwhile said the decision of his government to ban gathering and demonstration for one month in Addis was made to prevent any threat against public peace. He said the government should bear the responsibility for any loss of life or any minor damage to property. He said although the government did not expect any major problem, it should get prepared all the same. The Prime Minister has also responded to questions posed by local journalists in connection with the elections. ===================================== Pol.ethiopia May 17,2004 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 17 16:06:13 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election 2005 Message-ID: <20050517140613.66239.qmail@web53307.mail.yahoo.com> Election 2005: A good early warning By Ambachew Demeke Ethiopia desperately needs a democratic culture that could release the energy and good will of its citizens towards rapid development. Without democracy, it won’t be possible to overcome the challenges that almost every developing country face, under the new international system since 1990’s, a number of state, have failed to ensure continuity primarily dye to lack of democratic governance. Since the departure of Italians in 1941, the people of Ethiopian have missed a lot of good opportunities for development as a result of shortsightedness of the political class. Democratic institutions could have been developed at least by the standard of the rest of African countries. Yet, let alone the institutions, even free press was completely unknown in this country for several decades. Now, it seems that the cause for Ethiopia’s age old problems such as poverty and political instability has been diagnosed. The apparent commitment of the government to ensure democratic governance is certainly a good start along the right direction. The fact that the different political parties could freely submit their case to the public with this level of accommodation is a radical departure from the past. It is a courageous initiative which can only rarely be expected from a government that represents a party running fore election. Ethiopians have been following heated inter-party debate through the media in all parts of the country. Interestingly, the opposition parties have got the greater share of the air time much more that what they could have deserved if apportioned on the basis of one’s seats in the Parliament. Huge demonstrations have been staged in support of the opposition as well as the government, but still with a responsible cooperation of the government controlling power. Critical sections of the society such as university/college students as well as civil societies are freely participating in the process as voters as well as observers. Nearly 80 percent of the eligible population has registered to vote our country. Over 150,000 local observers are working in all polling stations. As a mark of transparency and sense of accountability, large number of international observers is already in Ethiopia to follow up the process. This is just to mention the most glaring features of the ongoing democratization process in this country. While these are all encouraging developments there is one extremely unexpected proposition by one of the major opposition parties. CUO, in its widely circulating election manifesto, has promised its supporters to create a transitional government which will be assigned to draft a new constitution soon after the election. The conventional practice in almost all democratic nations is that any winning party to will proceed and takeover responsibility to govern the country, according to the existing constitution. There was no time when an election has been conducted for abrogating an existing constitution system. Of course constitutions may be amended following the procedure enshrined in the constitution itself. If it happens that the existing amendment procedures are un-necessarily stringent, the procedure itself could be amended in a democratic way. While such possibilities should always remain open, but still no where constitutions have been abrogated or amended through an electoral process. Needless to say, electoral processes, including the present Ethiopian election, can be possible only by virtue of existing constitutional systems. Election is about change of government, not about constitutional abrogation or amendment. These two are completely different processes!! In the present Ethiopian context, this proposition has virtually poisoned the electoral process as it creates sense of insecurity among the various ethnic groups, especially minorities. Indeed, the first stage of the electoral process has witnessed considerable good fith and belongingness by all nationality and cultural groups in the country. The fact that CUD’ election manifesto has proposed to abrogate the portion of the constitution that cover the rights of the various nationality groups and minorities, ahs provoked angry reactions in different parts of the country. No wonder that five of the nine federating states of Ethiopia, including Benshangul, Somali, Afar and Gambella immediately held a joint press conference to express their feeling towards Cud’ proposition. They all explicitly stated that the various ethnic groups living in their respective states would automatically reject any attempt to undermine the present constitutional system. It is worth-noting that these state are not under the control of the ruling party currently. What is important here is a serious sense of insecurity among minorities as well as the larger groups such as Oromia has been created following the indication by CUD not to be bound by the existing constitutional system. This is a good early warning for CUD and other extreme right wing parties as to the possible consequences of such political tendencies. CUD, as a typical extreme right wing group, might have not anticipated such angry reactions to come a day of two after the publication of its election manifesto. In this connection, the statement made by \Prime Minister Meles in a recent interview is clearly a good reminder which deserves adequate attention by all sensible political parties. He reminded the public that, by the time the present constitution was negotiated by different political groups, about ten years ago, there were over 17 ethnic based armed political groups fighting for independence. They all dropped the idea of secession subsequent to the constitutional recognition of their right for self administration and local autonomy. Most observers of Ethiopian Political sense do know very well that by the time the ruling party, EPRDF, toppled the military government, ethnic based agitations for secession was the most common features in Ethiopia. It is quite true that the trend has now been growingly discredited as the various ethnic and cultural groups have come to enjoy a measure of autonomy under the present constitutional system. Once one tends to disrupt the emerging sense of security and belongingness, secessionist tendencies would regain the lost credibility. To be fair, one may understand the desperations and temptations of especially opposition parties during election times. But one should still not confuse election campaign promises with serious political irresponsibility. Once a party mobilizes its constituency under such platforms, it would end up creating a scenario extremely difficult to control under a normal circumstance. It is just advisable to guard against temptations of using impractical and some times irresponsible promises. The latest development in Ethiopia electoral processes is the decision of some of the contesting parties, including the ruling EPRDF, to sign non-violence pact. Given the fact that this year’s election has involved heated debates and completions, added to the apparent inexperience in democratic politics, the pact is a significant step towards completing the process in a peaceful and responsible manner. Again, the fact that CUD has dissociated itself from the agreement has created room for considerable uncertainly as to the actual expectations of the extreme right wing parties in the present election. Suffice to mention that this sort of unfriendly attitude could easily lead to completely un-intended destinations. This is to say that we expect a great deal of maturity and good reasoning from the contending parties. Good Luck!!! =================== Pol.Ethiopia May 17, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 19 11:41:36 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] Election Message-ID: <20050519094137.4774.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> Ethiopian electoral Process and the Outside World Aseffa Birhane Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, while addressing his party’s supporters, last Saturday, stated that Ethiopia’s most important battle should be against poverty. He seems to allude that electoral victory is not an end by itself. The Prime Minister went further saying that democracy, peace and stability are inseparably related to the poverty reduction strategy. The logic is simply this: With out democracy, there can be no lasting peace and stability. And without these two, poverty reduction is definitely unthinkable. Ethiopia is the third most populous country in Africa and the bulk of the population live below poverty line. Probably the Prime Minister had this picture in mind when he repeatedly reminded the public that democracy for Ethiopia is not a choice but a question of national survival. As part of the current initiatives towards nation development, the government is pursuing an open-door policy towards the outside world. In the past, Ethiopia was known for extra-ordinary sensitivity towards any critical comment by outsiders. Now, one could easily observe that there is unprecedented rate of open-ness and accommodation. There is renewed interest in forging extensive development partnership with the donor community. There is interest in amore principled association with the rest of Africa. There is a new sense of confidence in playing a more positive role that can ensure lasting peace and stability in the Horn region. Ethiopian foreign policy is now based primarily on the domestic vital interests of the country. These would include democracy, durable peace and sustainable development as a means for realizing the country’s poverty reduction strategy. This is definitely a positive development for the country and equally for those who would like to maintain sustainable partnership with Ethiopia. Nothing could be sustainable when it is based on short term interests that neglect the genuine aspirations of the people of the country, especially the poor and disprivileged sectors of the society. During the Emperor’s time, the Ethiopian government had a sense of impunity while committing all sorts of atrocity against its own citizens. That was a false sense of confidence based on un-conditional loyalty to the West especially the US. At the end, the emperor’s government proved used-less for itself as well as for its international partners as the country eventually fell under community dictatorship. Later, the Dergue followed the same route while establishing relationship with the Soviet bloc. In both cases, the mistake lied in the attitude of the governments of the day concerning the vital national interests of the country and its people. This is why one could dare to say with certainty that the current initiatives towards greater and constructive open-ness should be encouraged, and not abused on account of one’s short term, and sometimes misconceived interests. As part of the recent positive developments in the country, a large number of international observers have been invited to follow up the election which is just few days away. Observers representing the Carter Center, European Union, African Union and the Arab League are currently working through out the country. Recently observers who have come from Japan, china, and India have joined them to take part in the process. Ethiopia has recently introduced Observer’s Code of conduct which is compatible to most internationally recognized standards. It has opend up wider room for the international observers to bring irregularities to the attention of the Election Board. The restrictions are the same as those applicable even in the well developed democracies. For instance, observers are required not to interfere, say, by making comments that would influence the electorate and by releasing pre-emptive reports while the electoral process is going on. So far,. The international observers are working freely along-side over 150,000 local observers. Mean while, there has been indication that certain foreign circles try to influence the electoral process on the account of misconceived interests. For instance, the Us based National Endowment for Democracy has reportedly required the Ethiopian government to allow opposition political parties hold considerable number of seats in the parliament. More interestingly, this is posed as conditionality for recognizing and legitimizing Ethiopia’s democratization process. No doubt that this sort of intervention is un-necessary and may be offensive not only to the government but also to the opposition as well. For instance, it just gives an impression as if opposition parties are out to serve foreign interests. This apparently partisan requirement has not bee the norm and the practice anywhere, including the western world. Needless to say, no one but the electorate has to determine who should get what in the election. In this connection, it is worth-mentioning that the expulsion of a few individuals representing three U.S-based organizations including-the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican institute (IRI) and the International Foundation for Electoral systems (IFES) have provoked furious reaction against the Ethiopian government. These persons were found working as observes with out registering properly in compliance with the laws of the country, according to government report. It seems to be the norm that every sovereign state requires foreign observers to identify them-selves and register in a transparent and legitimate way. One would wonder what could have been the fate of such cases, say, if detected in any of the American electoral process. In any case, what is more astonishing is that the reaction which the incident has come to provoke is not only unreasonable but quite discouraging and unfriendly. In the mean time, the same critics have not been fair enough to take note of any of the positive initiatives being taken in the present Ethiopian electoral process. The protracted inter-party debates and extensive public interest and participation is not common in Africa. The active role of the judiciary to protect, among others, the right of civil societies to take part in the process at various levels and the fast growing free press, the high level participation of women as candidate for seats in the federal and regional parliaments, and the like should have attracted positive coverage, if not appreciation, Such un-sensitive attitudes can not be fair to Ethiopia and to any developing country aspiring to join the modern world as democratic polity. Thus, instead of such apparently self centered dispositions, Ethiopia’s development partners should aim attaining amore respectable objective. They should care and support the people of this historically disadvantaged country by playing a constructive role in electoral process and the over all national effort towards development. If democracy is firmly established in Ethiopia, whose population constitutes half of the inhabitants of the Horn; it will definitely help to stabilize the region as a whole. Thus, the out side world especially countries having immediate and long term strategic interests in the region should encourage the Ethiopian government, the opposition and the people at large to work collectively towards the democratization of their country. Democratic and prosperous Ethiopia will certainly be a more dependable prater for the free and peace loving world. The international observers currently working in Ethiopia are widely expected to demonstrate their commitment to this noble cause by observing high professional and ethical standards in the process. ======================== Pol.Ethiopia May 19, 2005 ================ __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 26 10:09:46 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526080946.8937.qmail@web53310.mail.yahoo.com> May 24, 2005 Democratization of election great victory for Ethiopians: EPRDF ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said that the democratization and uniqueness of the election that had been confirmed by the peoples of Ethiopia and the international community as well, was a great victory for the entire Ethiopians. In a statement issued yesterday in connection with the Front’s Executive Committee regular session held May 21-22, 2005, it said that such democracy is achieved due to the fact that the entire Ethiopians have been dedicated to make the election flawless. The Front has also expressed its appreciation to those Ethiopians who made outstanding contribution in various ways to make the election democratic. It said EPRDF understands that election is a situation in which citizens can elect contestants whom they believe can work for their benefit freely. Moreover, the statement said, not only those people who cast their votes have their contribution in making the elections flawless but also those who did not vote. Pointing out that most of the people were having doubt that whether the election would be democratic or not, it said those who cast votes lining up in queues until mid-night have contributed their share towards the success of the election. The statement said that the Front believes that the counting of votes would also be democratic and reflect the interest of the public at large. Accordingly, it said, the Front would work hard for the fairness of the counting of votes. EPRDF would also create situations conducive to settling complaints over election regularities according to the law. The Front would also hand over the Addis Ababa City Administration power to the winning party in the set time table, the statement said. EPRDF would also like to confirm that it would continue to extend support the city administration used to get from the Federal Government, as it has been doing in the past. The statement said the Front also understands clearly the meaning of message of those people who did not vote for EPRDF. EPRDF has practically tested policies and strategies that have brought about good results, it said, adding that the problem found in this regard is their implementation. Accordingly, maintaining and continuing those policies and strategies which can help achieve good results the Front said, adding that EPRDF clearly understands the appropriateness of making remedies on implementation problems in consultation with the public. It also expressed its belief that the people would contribute their share in the improvements of the implementation. The Front is ready to create forums that would enable it consult with the public on relevant issues, the statement said. The statement also congratulated members and supporters of EPRDF for fulfilling their objectives through making the Front victorious both in the process and result of the democratic election. The statement said while entering the election, EPRDF had expressed its determination to make the conduct peaceful, democratic and flawless as well as its confidence to win the election. It added that the Front has realized its goal of conducting a democratic and peaceful election by ultimately relying on its members and supporters. The statement said EPRDF has won votes to form a government at Federal and State levels, and as such, the Front has won a decisive victory to continue implementing its good policies and strategies. The Front also called upon its members and supporters to urgently enter into the implementation of EPRDF’s programmes with much vigour and resolve. The international community has closely observed the discipline manifested by members of EPRDF who strictly abide by the Election Code of Conduct prepared by the Front, the statement said. The statement added while our members and supporters work in strict observance of the Code of Conduct, it was confirmed that opposition parties were engaged in various illegal and anti-democratic activities going against the electoral law. While EPRDF recognizes that the illegal activities deliberately committed by opposition parties were infuriating and deplorable, the statement said, however, it must be stressed that the ultimate solution for such activities is democratic struggle. The Front urged its members and supporters to strengthen the legitimate and peacefull struggle by relying on the Front’s capacity of rectifying mistakes through a democratic process. The statement said EPRDF recognizes that its supporters do believe the policy and strategy it is pursuing to bring about development and ensure a democratic system is appropriate. It also said that the Front is also cognizant that there are numerous points its supporters would like to get improved with regard to implementation of the policy and strategy, adding the Front is much more ready than ever to work in consultation with its supporters to adopt necessary changes in relation to implementation. The statement said rigorous efforts would be needed to intensify the good practices demonstrated during policy implementation and take corrective measures in the weaknesses. The statement said the issue of increasing productivity should be given special attention taking advantage of the favourable weather condition in the current main rainy season. The statement said members of the Front and supporters at the various levels need to work relentlessly with more vigour and stamina during the development work in the main rainy season as they did in the past to achieve rapid development and for the good of the public. The statement said cognizant of the decisive role of the anti-poverty struggle for the materialization of democracy and the political objectives of the Front, EPRDF has urged the public to remain much more committed for the realization work in the main rainy season. EPRDF is well aware that all its members and supporters believe that the Front should establish government as per the law at Federal and State levels where it emerged victorious, while putting strong pressure to hand over power in areas where oppositions won, the statement said. EPRDF considers as appropriate the idea forwarded by its members and supporters that the Front should establish a government where it won the upper hand, the statement said, however, it said, the Front underscore that this should take place pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations. Thus, the statement said, the Front would peacefully and legally hand over power here in the capital city where an opposition party has won the elections. This transition of power, though limited to the capital Addis Ababa, a huge responsibility is entrusted upon the public to make such transition of power, which is the first of its kind in the history of the country, peaceful and civilized. The statement also said EPRDF expressed its determination to realize this peaceful transition of power collectively with the general public. All Ethiopians who voted and did not vote for EPRDF opened in unison a new chapter of democracy in the country by putting aside destructive agitations. The public has, indeed, enabled the elections to be conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner by ignoring the rigorous destructive campaigns by some elements. This is a grand victory of peace, democracy and sovereignty, the statement said. The Front called upon all Ethiopians to foil destructive agitations before it they arouses animosity and hatred among people. Numerous scholars, entrepreneurs and other segments of the public have extended strong support in organized and individual level during the election process towards the realization of EPRDF’s objectives and the on-going peace, development and democratic system in the country. The statement said understanding the importance of working hand-in-hand to keep up the positive achievements and do away with faults in a peaceful and democratic struggle, EPRDF expressed its readiness to jointly work with all its partners within spirit of cooperation than ever. “This historic chapter has brought both good opportunities for Ethiopia and its people as well as a danger that could possibly erupt due to silly mistakes, the statement said,” and added, “we can sustain the benefits of the public only through employing the good opportunities in a constructive way.” The statement further said the time demands avoiding emotions and thinking critically, and added that by drawing lessons from experiences over the past years, EPRDF has designed a reform programme to be implemented during the next five years. EPRDF has readied itself towards the execution of this development and peace programme working with all the Ethiopian people in the spirit of cooperation. The Front also indicated that it will soon publicize the reform and development programme and called upon the Ethiopian people to finalize the on-going reform activities, nurture their fundamental rights and benefits as well as utilize the democratic culture for the advancement of the nation. Winner, loser parties should jointly rescue the country from poverty: Prof. Kinfe ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – President of the Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development (EIIPD), Professor Kinfe Abraham said both winners and losers of the elections should work in collaboration in a bid to get the country out of poverty. In an interview with the English Service of the Voice of America (VOA) and the German’s Deutsche Welle Radio, Prof. Kinfe said contesting political parties have the duty to avoid their controversies and jointly work to brink the country out of the prevailing problems. The winner party has also the responsibility to fulfill its promises to the public, he added. Pointing out that contesting parties have registered various results at various constituencies, Prof. Kinfe said both winners and losers should jointly shoulder national responsibilities. Though all contesting parties entered the competition expecting victory, they should honourably accept the results they obtained, Prof. Kinfe added. According to Prof. Kinfe, the 90 per cent voter turnout as well as the enthusiasm observed among the electorate on the polling day were historic and manifestations of the public’s aspiration for a democratic order. As election is the first phase of any democratic administration, the losers and winners should accept the outcome of the election and mobilize the public for development. Prof. Kinfe further said as state administrations lack material capacity to fully alleviate problems of a city, a party that won in various states need to jointly work with the Federal Government and other states. According to Prof. Kinfe, a party needs 275 seats in the parliament to form the Federal Government while it requires two-third majority seats to introduce new legislation. As Addis Ababa is a city with various international organizations such as the AU, the ECA and more than 100 diplomatic missions, dialogue would be required between the Federal Government and the opposition party that won in the city in order for things to go smoothly. The two have to have thaw will to listen to each other and they have to be prepared to make essential compromises, he added. Ethiopia negotiating accession to WTO ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – An official with the Ministry of Trade and Industry says Ethiopia is in the process of becoming a member is in the process of becoming a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). While addressing a National Intensive Course on Trade Negotiations Skills which kicked off here yesterday, WTO Affairs Department Head with the Ministry, Habtamu Tadesse said Ethiopia has prepared a memorandum of understanding of foreign trade law which depicts its laws and policies. He said Ethiopia requested to be a member of the WTO in 2003, adding that the country was then permitted to become a member after going through a month-long negotiating. However, he added, to enter the negotiation phase, it was imperative first to adopt a law. In order to be competitive in the world market, Ethiopian products should be improved in quality, he said. He also said institutionalization was much needed than ever. Attracting foreign trade, resolving trade-related disputes as well as building institutional capacity were among the major benefits of becoming a WTO member, he said. Dr. Dickson Yeboah, Counselor and Head of Institute for Training and Technical Cooperation of Africa Unit with WTO, said the liberalization of varies to foreign direct investment in the services sector was the most important source of gains from WTO accession. “IF Ethiopia joined the WTO, there would be a significant increase in foreign direct investment and an increase in multinational firms operating in the business services sector in Ethiopia,” Yeboah said. Entered into force on 1st of January 1995 with 76 members, WTO has to date 148 member countries. Close to 30 countries including Ethiopia, Algeria, Cape Verde, Libya, the Sudan and Guinea are in the process of negotiating their accessions according to Yeboah. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 26,2005 ============================ __________________________________ Discover Yahoo! Use Yahoo! to plan a weekend, have fun online and more. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/ From polethiopia at yahoo.com Thu May 26 15:10:51 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050526131051.21377.qmail@web53302.mail.yahoo.com> May 26, 2005 Meles equates victory in election to victory over military regime ADDIS ABABA (WIC) – Chairman of the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said the victory his party has attained in the recent election is no less than the victory scored by overthrowing the military regime on May 28, fourteen years ago. In an exclusive interview with Radio Fana Tuesday, Meles said the victory over the Derg military regime has culminated in the May 15, 2005 election. He said as May 15 is an amazing day when supporters and opponents of the government legally and peacefully staged rallies, waited from dawn to midnight to cast their ballots; it is a victory day no less than May 28 to the Front and the public. The Premier said EPRDF has achieved its two goals in making the elections credible and flawless nationally and internationally as well as securing majority seats at federal and state levels so as to fulfill its objectives of attaining peace, development and democracy. In this regard, he said, the Front has succeeded in meeting the targets Opposition parties were given adequate space and air time in print and bradcast media to introduce their platforms, while EPRDF has prepared a Code of Conduct for its members as part of the commitment to make the election smooth and flawless. He also said the election was conducted in a peaceful manner against the earlier speculations by both local and foreign political observers that it would not be held in a democratic manner. As it turned out, he said, the election proved to be exemplary to other countries as it has been witnessed by foreign election observers. The Chairman, however, said daunting challenges had to be surpassed to conclude the process democratically. Meles said the culmination of the May 28 victory and that of May 15 election victory are the two greatest victories which have made him proud of his party. According to the Chairman, although EPRDF is defeated in Addis Ababa, it has secured the public consent by winning majority seats at federal level to rule the country for the coming five years. He recalled that EPRDF has mainly rallied farmers behind it during the election, while galvanizing supporters from urban dwellers, adding that his part has won and lost votes both in rural and urban areas. Meles attributed the defeat of his party to the highly orchestrated campaign unleashed by opposition parties belittling EPRDF’s strengths and on part of the public to the prevalent discontents with implementation problems and other mistakes committed by the party. According to Meles, the winning of majority seats in the parliament is a testimony to EPRDF’s correct approach employed during the election debates against the opposition parties which have no detailed and plausible alternatives. He said the oppositions are similar in their stance of defying and changing the Constitution, adding that there was even a situation where the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and some civil societies have been sympathizers to the opposition parties. The Chairman said work on addressing some problems witnessed during the election are underway through the proper ways, adding that the achievement of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia in coordinating the election under such conditions flawlessly can be cited among the great victories. He meanwhile, assured the general public not to be disturbed by alarmists who predict that disturbances may arise in the country as no force could threaten the peaceful coexistence of the people. Meles also reiterated the government’s readiness to prevent any eventualities that may occur following the election. He said the government would respect the verdict of the voters in Addis where it would hand over the administration of the city to the winner party which would be administered in accordance with the charter and held accountable to the Federal Government. The ongoing development works would be finalized until the handing over of the authority, he said. The upcoming authority has the right to expand or discard altogether the plans outlined by the previous administration. Meles asserted that EPRDF would continue to be genuine opposition is Addis, while a ruling party at federal level. He added that EPRDF would work hard to rectify policy implementation problems witnessed around urban areas. Meles also said although the Addis Ababa City Administration is accountable to the Federal Government, it has its own charter and the EPRDF has no reason to change it. While responding to questions raised by listeners of Radio Fana in connection with the 14th anniversary of the snowfall of the Derg regime, Meles said the new administration has the responsibility of administering kebele houses, levying and collecting taxes including the right to reduce and cancel tax arrears. He also said the new administration has the right to resume or abandon the small and micro trade activities as well as the construction of condominium houses launched earlier by EPRDF. It has the right to govern the residents of the city in line with the charter and in collaboration with the Federal Government. Meles stated that the transfer of power in Addis Ababa would be conduced in a peaceful way whereby the winner party would set up a committee and the loser also creates a body to flawlessly handover of the administration of the city. Asked on the wishes of the opposition to change the constitution, he said if the opposition parties can change the constitution legally that would be acceptable as its is a democratic process, but resorting to other ways that endanger the constitution would force the concerned government bodies to discharge their responsibilities by taking appropriate measures. On a question raised about his views on some private newspapers that instigate chaos and violence, Meles said at this juncture the activities of the free press can be evaluated from the perspective of politics and the law. From polethiopia at yahoo.com Fri May 27 15:17:31 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050527131731.51222.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 27, 2005 Meles holds talks with Annan, Solana, Taha ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Prime Minister Meles Zenawi yesterday received and held talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, EU Secretary General Koffi Annan, EU high Commissioner for Foreign and Security Policy Javier Sloana and First Vice President of Sudan Ali Osman Mohammed Taha. The talks Prime Minister Meles held separately with Annan, Solana and Taha focused on the May 15 national elections, the ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in Darfur, the peace process in Somalia as well as other regional and international issues. During talks with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia stands strongly committed to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful and only peaceful means. Prime Minister Meles briefed Annan about the peace processes in Sudan and Somalia, an official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who attended the meeting said. Kofi Annan on the occasion has expressed his appreciation to the peaceful conclusion of the third HPR and state council elections in Ethiopia and congratulated the people and government of Ethiopia. The official quoted Annan as saying that contesting political parties to accept the results whatever it may be and work in the spirit of cooperation. The official also quoted Annan as saying that Ethiopia’s stand to resolve the dispute with Eritrea through peaceful means is commendable. Annan expressed satisfaction over the efforts being exerted in Ethiopia to meet the millennium development goals and optimism that the country can realize the MDGs provided that donors increase their support. Prime Minister Meles and Javier Solana discussed at length about the May 15 national elections. Solana after the talks told journalists that in addition to the election, discussions with Prime Minister Meles focused on the Darfur peace process and the role African Union has been playing. Similarly, during talks with Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha, Prime Minister Meles said Ethiopia has been providing significant support in the peace process in Sudan. Meles pledged that Ethiopia will continue to support the efforts towards the realization of the comprehensive peace agreement in Sudan. Taha after the talks told journalists that the situation in Darfur is improving. The government of Sudan is working with a spirit of cooperation with AU’s mission in Sudan (AMIS) towards bringing about peace in Darfur. He said discussion with Prime Minister Meles included the Ethio-Sudan bilateral cooperation and indicated that the Ministerial Commission of the two countries has been stepped up to the level of heads of government. The Commission will hold its meeting late next month in Khartoum, he said. U.S. expanding anti-HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia: L.Tobias ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – United States Global AIDS Coordinator Ambassador Randall L. Tobias said that the U.S. has greatly increased HIV/AIDS investment in Ethiopia in the last two years. The U.S has been providing an unprecedented 73 million USD to support HIV/AIDS activities in Ethiopia during the current year. Speaking at a press conference held in connection with the 2nd Annual Field Meeting of Presidents Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief, Ambassador Tobias said that Ethiopian is among the strongest partners of the U.S in the campaign launched to fight HIV/AIDS world wide. Ambassador Tobias also said that the US is currently working with both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and a wide variety of other organizations including faith communities such as the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. Many Ethiopian community organizations have also been involved with a view to ensuring sustainability of the HIV/AIDS relief program which focused on providing treatment, care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), he said. According to Ambassador Tobias, the programme has been supplying anti-retroviral drug treatment for 9,500 people in Ethiopia since September 2004, while the number is certainly much higher at present. “We also realize that food is an important issue here. We are seeking opportunities to partner with food programmes, including those of the U.S government, so that we can link them to the HIV/AIDS services we support”, he said. Ethiopia is hosting the President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief Second Annual Field Meeting bringing together over 350 people from over 20 nations to identify and explore best practices in combating the spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic. Parties ordered to back complaints with evidences ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has ordered all political parties that had submitted complaints to attach their supposed evidences. The Board passed the order at a meeting held yesterday calling on parties that submitted complaints to attach evidence until June 1. NEBE Political Parties’ Registration Office said not less that 220 complaints have so far been submitted in 54 letters. Acting Registrar Mekonnen Wondimu said that EPRDF as well as CUD and its member parties have submitted the complaints jointly and separately. AFDM and other parties of regional status have also submitted complaints, he said. Commission licenses 30 bln. birr investment projects ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – The Ethiopian Investment Commission says that it has given licence to 2,200 investors with an aggregate capital of 30 billion birr over the past nine months. The influx of investors in Ethiopia is steadily growing. Commissioner Abi Wolde-Meskel told ENA yesterday that 470 of the investors were foreigners with a combined capital of ten billion birr. He said most of the entrepreneurs who received the licence from the Commission and investment bureaus have been engaged in industrial sector. Abi said that others have been involved in the agricultural sector particularly in floriculture, hotel and tourism, education, health and construction activities. He also said Ethiopia was increasingly becoming investment destination due to the various incentives being provided to entrepreneurs and other investment-friendly atmosphere in the country. Abi said that fact that licences were given to 450 foreign investors within a period of nine months compared to 500 given in the period between July 1984 E.C. – June 1995 E.C was indicative of the growing development of the sector. He attributed the development of the sector to the existing transparent rules and regulations, improved working procedures of governmental offices and the adoption of sound policy. Abi said the current investment promotion system focuses particularly on priority areas of the industrial sector that are believed to bring in relative benefits to the country, like leather and leather products, textile, meat, fruit and vegetables, agro-industry and hotel and tourism sectors. The Commissioner said that Ethiopia has been beneficiary of tariff and quota free access given for developing countries, adding that products exported to the US, Canada and Europe are entering the market tariff free. Fruits and vegetables, meat as well as other agricultural products were in high demand in Arab countries, Abi said, adding that in some countries there was a shortage in the supply side of Ethiopian products. The Commissioner said the government would extend the necessary support and encouragement to any investor keen to engage in the sector. Similarly, the Dire Dawa Interim Administration Investment Agency said it has licensed investors who registered nearly three billion birr capital over the past 12 years. Agency Representative Alemayehu Kassahun said that the licensed investors are carrying out 452 projects in ten various sectors. He said the projects include agricultural development, establishment of a food complex, real-estate development, construction of warehouse, trade, hotel and tourism, among others. Among the projects licensed, he said, 16 were being carried out in partnership with local and foreign investors. Some 75 projects, which have already been finalized, have created 2,122 jobs while others are in progress, Alemayehu said, adding it is expected that over 15,400 citizens would get jobs upon completion of all the projects. Land lease price has been revised to encourage investors, he said, adding that 90 hectare has been demarcated as an industrial zone with the necessary infrastructure in the town. ================================== Pol.ethiopia May 27,2005 ========================== __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com From polethiopia at yahoo.com Tue May 31 13:42:07 2005 From: polethiopia at yahoo.com (Political Ethiopia) Date: Wed May 23 11:06:16 2007 Subject: [Pol.ethiopia] News Items Message-ID: <20050531114207.16262.qmail@web53308.mail.yahoo.com> May 31, 2005 Political parties, Board discuss ways of handling post-election activities By Shimelis Meressa ADDIS ABABA – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and political parties that contested election 2005 have discussed ways of handling post-election activities. At a Joint Forum meeting held at the Board’s Head Office yesterday, the political parties thoroughly discussed ways of dealing with irregularities and presentation of evidences to their complaints. They have also discussed ways in which preliminary results are being announced through the mass media. Accordingly, the political parties and the Board agreed to form a committee comprising of the contestant political parties, the Board and observers to deal with the irregularities. However, the Board indicated that it would only investigate areas for which legitimate accusation documents and witnesses would be produced. According to Board Chairman Kemal Bedri, the accusations have to be substantiated with relevant documents and witnesses. “This does not mean that the witnesses would appear in person at the Board. The political parties can only cite the polling station, the witness and other relevant documents and the Board, along with the would-be committee, investigate and handle the case,” he added. Regarding international observers, the Board has shown its readiness to accept their involvement but could not force them to do so. Representative of EPRDF said that the Front would accept the decision of the Board to involve foreign observers. Oppositions, however, strongly oppose to the idea and underscored the need for their involvement. “The international observers must involve themselves to any degree which they want to involve themselves,” they said. Speaking of the provisional results being displayed, the EPRDF representative said that results have been posted at the polling stations since the next day right after the election and at constituency levels after five days. He said that this shows that the activities were transparent and their announcement by the Board wouldn’t cast any shadow over the investigation process, as it is temporary. Opposition parties representatives on their part accused the Board of displaying the preliminary results without investigating the areas where alleged irregularities have occurred. According to Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), irregularities have occurred at 156 constituencies to which it has lodged complaints. The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) also complains of irregularities at 79 constituencies. Accordingly, the Board shouldn’t have disclosed the preliminary results, they added. The Board on its part indicated that it has been dealing with the case properly and process shows its transparency Kemal said that the Board would only explain to the public the concept of preliminary result through the mass media. The Chairman also said that there would be a possibility of postponing the final election result announcement in consideration of the points raised by the political parties at the Forum. Ethiopians in Diaspora call upon political parties to respect poll results, jointly strive to eliminate poverty ADDIS ABABA (ENA) – Ethiopians have called on political parties who took part in the recent national elections to respect the results of the poll and jointly strive to rid poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of the nation. Ethiopians here and in various parts of the globe have continued forwarding their comments online in various websites in connection with the recent third national election. The online comments being hosted by various websites as monitored here by the Monitoring Service of ENA indicate that the Ethiopians have realized the third national election was successfully conducted in a democratic manner. A commentor named Belete said “Both the governing and the opposition parties should respect the results of the poll.” The Commentor added all contestant parties, while maintaining their differences, should strive together to eliminate poverty, disease and backwardness from the face of Ethiopia. Another commentor named Mesfin said the incumbent government deserves appreciation for showing what real democracy is for the Ethiopian people. “Of all things that this government had done for Ethiopia, I will never forget the important heroism it showed by overthrowing the brutal and fascist Derg communist regime of Mengistu Hailemariam,” he said, adding, “This by itself is a big victory.” Yet, another visitor of the site by the name Ezana said, “despite the many shortcomings we have had while coming to where we are, we have achieved a lot in a short period of time.” Ezana also expressed hope that Ethiopians “will continue to dialogue, debate and at the same time work together for our own sake.” Another commentor named Getaw Cherinet said, “The recent national election is a good start and a great history for Ethiopians at this stage. Please let’s do more and exercise an even better democracy.” Another commentor named Doyoo said, “The Ethiopian people in general and opposition groups in particular have to patiently and peacefully continue the struggle for a true democracy and a united Ethiopia.” “Let us just hope-the best is yet to come to our poor nation,” Doyoo said. =================================== Pol.ethiopia May 31,2005 ======================= __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new Resources site http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/