Addis Ababa, February 14, 2008 (WIC) – The United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) said it has been facing problems in registering its candidates in Oromia and SNNP states, while the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) dismissed the claim as baseless and insincere. UEDF Chairman Professor Beyene Petros told WIC yesterday that his party could not get register candidates for the upcoming elections in Yem Special Woreda and in all woredas of Kembata Zone as well as Jeldu, Ambo and Tokekutare Siraro woredas.

He said the party was unable to get the candidates in Yem Special Woreda and in all woredas of Kembata Zone registered because it was told to bring them in person.

Similarly, UEDF candidates could not get registered in Jeldu, Ambo and Tokekutare Siraro woredas since election officers were not willing to register them, the chairman added.

Besides, the party was not able to register candidates as it desired because many of the candidates of the party have been jailed, harassed and abused, Professor Beyene said, adding that UEDF has notified NEBE about the situation and is expecting solution.

Responding to the allegations, Chief Executive of NEBE Secretariat, Tesfaye Mengesha said all candidates of UEDF have been registered in Addis Ababa Administration, Oromia and SNNP states.

As to the specific woredas cited however enquiries made by NEBE along with officials of UEDF have proved that most of the problems were created by the party itself and the complaints raised were baseless and insincere.

Candidates of the party rejected in some areas could not produce evidence that they lived in that specific location for two years which disqualifies candidates from running for office, he elaborated.

Failure to properly categorize candidates, submitting list of candidates with a letter that does not bear the seal of the party were few of the problems with the party, the Chief Executive pointed out.

UEDF also tried to create confusion by requesting the registration of criminals in detention and then claimed that they have been detained in relation to election, he added.


 

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