News: Ahead of polls, Electoral Board admits lower level gov’t officials interference in polling station, calls for restraint
By Bileh Jelan
Addis Abeba, May, 22/2021 – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) issued a statement, where it announced measures taken to limit interference of government officials in the voter registrations process as well as to ensure the transparency of the process by making records available to the public.
The statement read discussing the interference of what it called low government officials, “The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has been conducting activities of the 6th General Election, completed voter registration, and made voter registration records open to the public. Although the voter registration process has almost been completed successfully, the Board has been notifying concerned parties in various ways about the interference of low-level government officials (especially woreda, kebele, etc.).” The statement c
Ethiopia plans June 21 poll, but Tigray crisis sticks out like a sore thumb
Monday May 24 2021
Solyana Shimeles, spokesperson of Ethiopia’s election body, at a press conference in Addis Ababa on May 20, 2021. A new election date has been set for June 21. PHOTO | AFP
Summary
Low voter registration, logistical challenges, security concerns in distributing poll materials, training of electoral staff, and more time needed to print ballot papers were her major reasons for postponing the election.
NEBE said the new date is a result of consultations with stakeholders in the country.
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The election is seen as the biggest test to the popularity of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
PM Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia meets presidents Isaias Afeweki of Eritrea and Mohamed Farmajo of Somalia Image: FILE • It should be recalled the Tigray war was triggered by the postponement of the August 2020 elections by the federal government.• An attempt to postpone elections in Somalia almost triggered another war, with security agencies, including the military, taking sides and positions in Mogadishu Ethiopia’s June 5 elections were expected to.
News: Electoral Board issues list of 40 constituencies in six regions where elections wont take place per schedule
Local observers badges. Photo: NEBE
Addis Abeba, May 22/2021 – The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) issued list of 40 constituencies in six regional states where it said the June 21 election cannot take place for reasons mainly due to voters’ registration not starting because of security concerns; voter registration has begun but was discontinued; and where complaints have been lodged during the voter registration process. In addition the Board said it requires special assistance from the state and the federal governments to conduct the election in two constituencies in Gambella regional state.
Ethiopia to hold sixth national election on June 21
Friday May 21 2021
Supporters of Prosperity Party hold the Ethiopian national flags and the party’s flag in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 7, 2021 during the electoral campaign rally for the general elections. PHOTO | AFP
Summary
Last Saturday, the Chairman of the Electoral Board, Birtukan Mideksa, told political parties representatives that the national election will not be conducted on June 5.
Low voter registration, logistical challenges, security concerns in distributing poll materials, training of electoral staff, and more time needed to print ballot papers were major arguments Ms Mideksa gave as reasons for postponing the election.