Party leaders stated that the current electoral process, along with the general coordination that accompanied it, paved the way for peaceful and democratic elections.
It is noted that the preliminary activities for the seventh general elections in Ethiopia are proceeding smoothly and in an orderly manner.
The electoral process, in which more than fifty million voters have registered, along with the participation of many political parties, is continuing in a peaceful, fair, and democratic atmosphere.
In statements, political party leaders emphasized that the electoral process successfully established a favorable political landscape and created suitable conditions for political activity.
The Secretary of the Joint Council of Political Parties in the Oromia Region and a member of the Executive Committee of the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice Party, Tariku Denberu, said that political parties are working collaboratively, both within the joint council and as independent parties, to ensure a democratic and peaceful electoral process.
He pointed out that the joint council began its work by preparing an electoral plan and forming specialized committees, adding that councils were also established at the level of twenty-one zones and two hundred and thirteen administrative districts in the region, which contributed to improved performance.
He affirmed that the member parties of the council are continuing their preparations intensively, noting that challenges arising during the process are being dealt with and resolved quickly.
The Secretary added that the seventh general elections are addressing and mitigating obstacles that were previously considered threats to the political process, through cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure peaceful, credible, and democratic elections.
He emphasized, saying: “These general elections will represent a pivotal stage for strengthening democratic institution-building practices and eliminating backward political cultures.”
Meanwhile, the Vice President of the Prosperity Party, Surafel Ashetu, explained that his party has made intensive preparations for this year’s elections, by assessing the strengths and weaknesses that emerged during the 2021 elections.
He added that the party is making efforts to ensure peaceful and democratic elections, along with better promotion of its electoral platform and political programs.
Surafel affirmed that the seventh general elections have provided favorable conditions for organizing election campaigns in streets and public squares more effectively, in addition to fair utilization of allocated media time.
In turn, a member of the Executive Committee and Head of the Oromia Region branch of the Freedom and Equality Party, Omar Abdul Rahman, said that the overall course of the electoral process this year is very encouraging, as it has provided favorable conditions for better political movement.
He added: “The inclusiveness of the political scene is commendable, especially the way the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia allocated free airtime on media, which allowed us to communicate freely with the public and present our ideas.”
In the same context, the Chairman of the Wolayta Democratic People’s Party, Faisal Abdul Aziz, pointed out that this year has seen active engagement from various stakeholders, starting with the National Electoral Board, to provide a more open and inclusive political environment.
He concluded by saying: “This year, we are witnessing an electoral process that has provided remarkably positive conditions to ensure democratic, fair, and transparent competition.”
