As part of the preparation for the upcoming May 2020 national election, 107 political parties in Ethiopia, including the ruling coalition today signed a pact that governs the relationship among them during the upcoming election and positively contribute to the overall democratization process of the country. The 20 articles agreement is developed by the national electoral board in consultation with the political parties. Of the signatory political parties 66 are already officially registered by the national electoral board to run for the upcoming election. The remaining political parties, especially the pro-unity groups, are expected to form alliances and merge to challenge the ruling coalition, which recently announced its plan to merge with its affiliates. PM Abiy indicated that the day is historical as it has brought together the ruling coalition face to face with opposition political party leaders who were in jail and exiled.

Source: News Business Ethiopia March 14, 2019 18:00 UTC