The OLF also criticized the neutrality of the Electoral Board for failing to respond to its repeated complaints on the matter for five months. However, the OLF says it has not been able to get such solutions from the Electoral Board despite its repeated complaints on several occasions regarding widespread violations of the fundamental rights of political parties by government security forces. The letter urged NEBE to facilitate withdrawal of security forces from its headquarters and ensure the party’s right to freely operate in the election which is a mere four months away. In addition, Article 7 (19) of Proclamation 1133/2011 stipulates that the Electoral Board should examine the complaints lodged with political parties and make an immediate decision. Therefore, we urge the National Electoral Board to immediately vacate the illegally invaded headquarters and ensure our right to freely operate.

Source: Ethiopian News January 23, 2021 07:41 UTC