From: Biniam Tekle (biniamt@dehai.org)
Date: Fri Mar 05 2010 - 09:38:35 EST
US urges free and fair Ethiopian polls
Published: Friday March 5, 2010
The United States on Friday urged Ethiopia to ensure its parliamentary
elections set for May are free and fair.
Opposition groups have accused Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's ruling party of
repeated harassment in the run-up to the May 23 polls.
"The US representatives urged that measures be taken to ensure that the
upcoming elections run freely and fairly," said a statement by a US
delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs
Karl Wycoff on a visit to Ethiopia.
"The government and ruling party must take their responsibilities seriously
by creating an environment in which all parties feel confident in fully
expressing their opinions and implementing their electoral strategies," it
added.
On Wednesday, the opposition coalition Forum for Democratic Dialogue in
Ethiopia accused the ruling party of the stabbing to death of one of its
candidates.
The government has denied any involvement, but said Wednesday that a suspect
was in custody for the murder.
Ethiopia's polls will be the first since 2005 when disputed results sparked
violence that claimed some 200 lives.
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