Adama, February 17, 2008 (WIC) - More than 87,000 candidates of six political parties will contest in East Shoa Zone of Oromia State in the upcoming elections, the zonal election board office said.

Office Coordinator Hussein Tifo said today that the parties which fielded candidates in 11 woredas of the zone were Oromo Peoples Democratic Organization (OPDO/EPRDF), Oromo People's Congress, Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement, United Ethiopian Democratic Party-Medhin, Oromo Unity Liberation Front and Geda System Advocacy Party.

Some 30,950 of the candidates were women, he said, adding that 50 independent candidates will also run for seats in woreda councils.

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