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Ethiopia: Ruling party was declared overall winner
By African Bulletin on May 26, 2010
Thijs Berman, E.U Chief Observer has stated: “this year’s elections have been relatively peaceful, and the voting process was well-planned and safe”. But his preliminary report noticed the election was marred by a “lack of level playing field”, which favored the ruling party.
He also said the ruling party used government resources for campaign purposes, had unfair access to the state-run media, and blocked other news sources. And without a national voting list, he said, it is impossible to detect certain kinds of fraud, like double-voting. “These shortcomings lead to the conclusion that this electoral process falls short of certain international principles, certain international commitments”, he said.
Opposition parties complain that even if all parties had equal access to resources and the media, repression, violence, and harassment tainted and “undermined” the vote. E.U Chief Observer did not condemn the Ethiopian election process, but said the “sheer volume” of complaints was a concern. He said Ethiopians are often afraid to speak openly to authorities, so the legitimacy of the threat is hard to assess.”People are very cautious to express their opinion.
The Ethiopian government has not yet responded to the EU report. Election officials say opposition parties have not formally complained about voter intimidation.
Opposition parties complain that even if all parties had equal access to resources and the media, repression, violence, and harassment tainted and “undermined” the vote. E.U Chief Observer did not condemn the Ethiopian election process, but said the “sheer volume” of complaints was a concern. He said Ethiopians are often afraid to speak openly to authorities, so the legitimacy of the threat is hard to assess.”People are very cautious to express their opinion.
The Ethiopian government has not yet responded to the EU report. Election officials say opposition parties have not formally complained about voter intimidation.