The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia announces the draft time table for 6th national election
The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia today, December 25, 2020, in the presence of its leadership and leaders of political parties, announced the general work schedule and ongoing work regarding the time table for the upcoming 6th National Election. Chairwoman of the board, Birtukan Mideksa and member of the board`s management Bizuwerk Ketete gave an overview of the general activities of the board and the work done to streamline the upcoming election process. Details of the challenges faced were also presented. The board noted that it has worked hard to integrate the guidelines, noting that it is not discouraged by the challenges it faces but will do its best through it.
Following the Board's explanation, various positive comments and concerns from parties were raised on the forum which was open to political parties. In response, the chairwoman of the board, Birtukan Mideksa emphasized that the concerns were well-founded and that the Board shared the hopes and concerns expressed by the political parties, adding that the success of the election could be achieved not only through the efforts of the Board but also through co-operation from all.
The Board's operations experts have explained the activities that have been done and are being done to modernize the general activities of the Electoral Board with illustrations supported by pictures. It was understood that the digitalization of the board has shaped the process. In addition, timeline for the election has also been announced along with the day of voting; the Southwest referendum on June 5, 2021 and voting dates for Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa city administrations scheduled to be held on June 12, 2021. Regarding the Tigray region, it is stated that a timetable will be issued considering the convenience of the situation. Following the experts’ briefings, the parties have raised technical questions, which were answered and concluded by the chairwoman of the board Birtukan Mideksa and other experts. In her closing remarks, Birtukan said the Board is always ready to respond to any questions the parties may have either directly or by email.
