Opposition Parties Voice Concern

Four opposition parties operating in Ethiopia voiced their concern over the upcoming election activities and the ongoing human rights violation in the country.

Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP), Oromo National Congress (ONC), Ethiopian Peace and Democracy Alternative Forces (EPDAF) and South Ethiopia Democratic Union (SEDU) were the political organizations that gathered on Sunday at Meskel Square to voice their concern over the current political situation in Ethiopia.

They said to the thousands of their supporters who were gathered that the ruling party is violating the country's various proclamations, particularly those on election and human rights. They said that the government's "wrong policy" resulted in the violation of human rights and mass killing in Gambella and Southern regions in different times and places.

"The government has a responsibility for the killing of these innocent people in Gambella, and human rights violations as well," they said. According to the opposition parties, it is time to bring a "publicly elected body" to power and bring a lasting peace to the country and its people. The parties also asked for the re-establishment of a neutral election board to make the upcoming election "free and fair".

"'The current elections board is under the ruling party's control. It is unthinkable to see free and fair election unless this board is re-established," they said. The parties also accused the government for not subsidizing opposition parties during election period and campaign.

"The government is not implementing the proclamation, which allows opposition parties to be subsidizes during election period. We do not even have opportunities to utilize the government owned electronics media for election. It is an illegal act being taken by the ruling party, they added".

They indicated that financial constraints of the opposition parties paralyzed them from being active during election. They also said that none of EPRDF's promises were implemented during its 13 years of governance.

"That is why we are struggling, for a change to the people and the country," they added. The parties also vowed to strengthen their alliance and play a role in the political struggle that is taking place in the country.