Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Ethiopians Vote in General Elections
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(http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=D77A01:3919ACA

Former US President Jimmy Carter was one of hundreds of international
observers to monitor Sunday's parliamentary elections Millions of
Ethiopians have cast ballots in parliamentary elections widely seen as
a test of democracy in the African nation.

Several hundred international observers, including former U.S.
President Jimmy Carter, were on hand to monitor Sunday's voting. They
say no serious problems have been reported.

The election is expected to give Prime Minister Meles Zenawi a
third-term in office. Mr. Meles has led Ethiopia since the 1991 ouster
of a Soviet-backed dictatorship.

Mr. Meles said in Adwa where he voted that he will accept the decision
of the election, no matter the outcome.

His comments come as Ethiopia's two main opposition groups accuse the
government of election irregularities, including harassment and
detention of election monitors. The groups say they may refuse to
accept the results.

The government has denied the accusations.

Provisional results are due later this month, with official results to
be announced on June 8.

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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