Addis Ababa, February 19, 2008 (WIC) - The Sheko Mejenger Peoples Democratic Unity Organization (SMPDUO) and Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front said they have fielded more than 23,600 candidates for the upcoming elections.

Chairperson of the Sheko Mejenger Peoples Democratic Unity Organization, Kassahun Jerka, told WIC that the organization has fielded 17,055 candidates in Bench Maji and Sheka Zones of SNNP State.

The organization said that it is ready to present its alternative development directions to the public.

The Afar Revolutionary Democratic Unity Front (ARDUF) on its part has fielded 6,670 candidates in Afar State, according to Deputy Chairperson of the front Hajji Mohammed Awol.

Among the candidates, 5,340 will contest for kebele councils and 1,330 for woreda councils, he said, adding that the front will organize various forums to present its agendas and alternative development directions.

The fielding of many candidates by opposition parties would enhance democracy, according to the deputy chairperson who said that the allotment of free air time in the media would also help them bolster their participation.

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