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Ethiopia Elections not to be Controversial, Says former US Envoy

   Peter Clottey 13 May 2010
   Ethiopian  PM  and  Intergovernmental  Authority on Development (IGAD)
   chairman Meles Zenawi, center (File Photo

Photo: AFP

   Ethiopian  PM  and  Intergovernmental  Authority on Development (IGAD)
   chairman Meles Zenawi, center (File Photo)

   Ethiopiaâs  upcoming  general  elections  will not be as dynamic or as
   controversial  as  the  2005 elections because the opposition does not
   have  the  same  ability  to  embark on a rigorous campaign before the
   vote, says a former U.S envoy.

   David  Shinn,  who  was  the U.S ambassador to Ethiopia from 1996-1999
   said  the  contest  in  the  Tigray region will test the popularity of
   Prime  Minister  Meles  Zenawiâs  Tigrayan  People's  Liberation Front
   (TPLF).

   âThis  election  is  going  to  be  different than any in the past. It
   certainly is not going to be as dynamic or as controversial as the one
   in  2005  simply because the opposition does not have the same ability
   to  carry  out its campaign as it did in 2005. But, having said that I
   think it would be somewhat more interesting election than what you saw
   for example in 1995 or in 2000,â he said.

   Both the ruling party and the opposition claimed victory in Ethiopiaâs
   2005 vote which was marred by violent street protests resulting in the
   loss of lives and properties.

   Prime   Minister  Zenawiâs  government  said  the  2005  post-election
   violence  was  a carefully calculated attempt to force a regime change
   in Ethiopia.

   Opposition  groups said this yearâs vote will not be transparent after
   accusing  the  ruling  party  of  undermining  their campaigns through
   intimidation  and  harassment â a charge the ruling party dismisses as
   baseless.

   Ambassador  Shinn  said  the opposition erred by boycotting parliament
   following the 2005 election.

   âI  think that they made an enormous mistake by not taking their seats
   (in  parliament). I grant them that it is not easy to function as part
   of  the  opposition  in the current system in Ethiopia, but that is no
   excuse not to try. And, if your numbers are greater, that over time is
   going  to  give  you  more  influenceâ¦to  boycott is, I think, is the
   absolute worse decision you can make,â Shinn said.â

   He  further  urged  Ethiopians  to  fully  participate  in the general
   elections.

   Meanwhile,   analysts   heavily  tip  the  ruling  Ethiopian  Peoples'
   Democratic  Front  (EPRDF)  to  comfortably  win the 23^rd May general
   elections.

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