Former
US President Jimmy Carter praises electoral process
in Ethiopia
14
May 2005
Former US president Jimmy Carter expressed his satisfaction
about the ongoing electoral process in Ethiopia. Mr
Carter, who is in Addis Ababa to observe the May 15
elections, told journalists on Friday (May13) that
that there has not been any organized intimidation
of the opposition by the ruling party.
“My
best understanding at this point is that there is
no pattern of intimidation or interference in the
proper electoral procedures initiated by the National
Electoral Board or other authorities,” he said
in reply to reporters’ questions about alleged
killings, arrest and harassment of the opposition
by ruling party officials.
The
former US President said that such incidents have
been isolated and are not part of a deliberate campaign
by the government to weaken the opposition.
Mr.
Carter also appreciated the National Electoral Board
for its efforts to creating a level playing field
for all parties. “My own personal opinion, on
a very preliminary basis is that the National Electoral
Board here is honest and fair,” he added.
He
commended the Board for investigating into complaints
forwarded by the opposition, for allowing parties
to carry on their campaigning without restrictions
and for allocating radio and television airtime for
parties to get their messages across.
Earlier,
Chairman of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia,
Kemal Bedri briefed carter on the preparations being
made to make the upcoming elections free and fair.
“We are exerting utmost efforts for the conduct
of free and fair elections,” Kemal told Carter’s
delegation.
Kemal
also gave explanations to the delegation on the procedures
for registration of voters and candidates, the voting
process and tracking and publicizing of results.
Carter
was also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Meles Zenawi
and other government officials as well as leaders
opposition parties.
Mr.
Carter, accompanied by his wife Rosalynn Carter, will
visit some polling stations in Addis Ababa On May
15. The Carter Center has deployed a 50-member election
observation mission to monitor the May 15 national
and regional parliamentary elections.
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For
further information please contact:
Press
Officer: Getahun Amogne Tel: 251-9-643738
Assistant
Press Officer: Hiwot Alemayehu Tel: 251-9-487576
E-mail
us: info@electionsethiopia.org
