Answer: The Board has consulted with political parties on the impact of COVID-19 on the election in two rounds of consultations, during which political parties made various comments saying they understand its impact on the electoral process as it is an international crisis, especially in a country like Ethiopia. They also called up on the Election Board to work in consultation with the relevant government bodies. In addition to this, they praised the Board for holding the consultation and suggested that the government's 14-day ban should be considered in the decision-making process. The discussion ended with a consensus and the political party leaders pointed out that the situation should be taken as an opportunity to finding practical solutions for some outstanding political problems and should be used to make adequate preparation for the election as well. This decision could have been made solely by the Board though it is good that the Board consulted the parties. The decision is much closely related to national issue than an issue that is related to one or more political parties. It is assumed that political parties should all work together to overcome a national problem with the magnitude of a pandemic like COVID-19. Although the board intended to hold various additional consultations,
-The first discussion took place on the 3rd day of the first Coronavirus case was found in the country and subsequent restrictions were strengthened and prohibitions could not be violated because various measures have been taken by the regional states as well. Additionally, the Board believes that the parties will understand the dangers imposed by COVID- 19 are very clear.
-The Board stated in a statement that the input from the parties was sufficient and that the Board had used the input as a source of information in the decision making.
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