Two political parties contesting in Ethiopia’s May 15 national elections have been making effective use of mobile phone short message service to campaign.

The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) have been campaigning via mobile short message service (SMS), calling people to vote for them.

Some residents in Addis Ababa said that the short messages request receivers to forward it to up to 10 other mobile users.

The ERPDF message reads, “Hi! I am confident enough that you love Ethiopia. No doubt, the future is too bright. Vote for EPRDF. Please send this message for 10 supporters of the party.”

On the other hand, CUD’s campaign message reads, “The moment of truth has come, vote for Kinijit (Coalition). Freedom is on the way. Ride with Kinijit.”

Another CUD message also reads, “Vote Kinijit. I know you love Ethiopia. Pass this message for at least five Ethiopians who love their country.”

Some residents of the capital appreciated the use of modern technology for the purpose of election campaigning.

Over 25.6 million Ethiopians are eligible to cast ballots in the upcoming elections to elect a national parliament and eight regional assemblies. The newly elected federal lawmakers will then select a prime minister.

There are 1,845 candidates representing 36 political parties and independents running for the 480 seats up for grabs in the 547- member federal parliament.

The remaining 67 MPs, who represent Ethiopia’s eastern Somalia Regional State, will be chosen in elections in August.

The national elections will be only the third democratic ballot in Ethiopia. The previous elections have been won by the ruling party.

Ethiopia has a two-house parliament: the 110-seat upper House of the Federation and the 547-seat lower House of People’s Representatives.

Source: People’s Daily