The two-day international conference NEBE organized concludes
October 11, 2019
The two days conference the Ethiopian National Electoral Board (NEBE) has organized form 8-9 October in collaboration with USAID and the International Electoral Commission under the title “National Elections and Election Stakeholders” concluded. At the international conference, guest speakers from various countries shared their experiences followed by a consultation session that deliberates on key issues to be considered at national election. Her Excellency FDRE President Sahlework Zewde inaugurated the conference and called on all stakeholders, including the government, to work in a spirit that puts the nation’s interest first and contribute to the success of the next election. She urged the media, civil society and citizens to participate in a peaceful manner.
On the first day of the conference, former Head of the Electoral Board of Nigeria Professor Ataru Jega shared Nigeria’s experience and spoke about his cherished experience of leading two successful election processes. He shared from the bulk of his remarkable accomplishment during the 2015 Nigerian election at which power is transferred to the successor in a peaceful manner, as well as challenges that may be encountered during major electoral processes and of possible solutions. He answered questions from participants. Other two election experts shared their experiences at the next session titled "Election in Socially Diversified Nations." An extensive discussion was held on the main issues to be taken into consideration at elections in multicultural countries. At the last session of the first day convention, five members of the Ethiopian electoral board briefed participants of the ongoing organizational reform and other tasks that are carried out so far and respond to questions on various issues.
On the second day of the conference, a study that dwells on elections preparation and election security, sponsored by the electoral board and its partnering organizations, was presented. The event which was attended by more than 200 election stakeholders was held at the African Union Hall.