ADDIS ABABA– The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) says it is striving to implement the 6th General Elections in a manner which is consistent with Ethiopian legal frameworks and international standards.
In its response to a letter by United States Senators to the Special Envoy of Horn of Africa, NEBE said expectations of all election stakeholders should be calibrated mentioning that shortfalls are inevitable given factors such as populations size, development deficit at all levels, nascent democratic culture, and increasingly charged political and security environment.
While appreciating the United States for its close attention and support to the democratic reforms underway in Ethiopia, the Board indicated that the participation of political parties, candidates and voters in the initial stages of the electoral process are broadly in line with expectations. “Currently, 46 of 49 registered political parties have fielded candidates. More than 9,000 candidates are running in the federal
and regional races, the highest number of candidates in Ethiopian elections.”It added that over 190 domestic civil society organizations are accredited to provide voter education while 34 domestic organizations are accredited to be observers.
The domestic observation organizations are expected to deploy 100, 000 citizens to observe polling and other electoral activities. The letter also includes that registered political parties and candidates are actively campaigning throughout the country.
Regarding measures to meet international standards, NEBE explained the fact that electoral stakeholders’ feedback is integrated in the electoral directives, while procuring materials such as ballot boxes, screens, seals, and indelible ink, secure design and printing ballots and procedures and training that incorporate checks throughout the process.
BY STAFF REPORTER
The Ethiopian Herald may 11/2021
