Sep 18, 2005
Ethiopian Review

Chairman of the Coalition for Unity & Democracy (CUD), Ato Hailu Shawel, declared today that his party will not enter the parliament. Ato Hailu made the announcement after explaining why his party was forced to reject the result of the May 15 elections that was announced by the National Election Board (NEB). Ato Hailu pointed out the reports by the European Union Election Observers Mission (EU-EOM) and the Carter Center that recently issued reports supporting CUD’s claim that the NEB was biased and unfair. The reports by EU-EOM and the Carter Center accuse the NEB of conducting an election that did not meet international standard.

Ato Hailu announced CUD’s decision not to enter parliament at an Ethiopian town hall meeting in Washington DC this afternoon. His announcement drew a standing ovation from the large crowd. Ato Hailu explained that CUD’s stand on this decision is unanimous among the council members.

Ato Hailu also announced that CUD will participate in the nationwide pro-democracy demonstration that was called by United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF). The UEDF leadership conference has set the date of the demonstration for October 2.

Regarding CUD’s the next steps, Ato Hailu explained that from now on the lead demand and slogan (motto) of CUD and all Ethiopians should be the immediate resignation of Meles Zenawi’s regime that has been completely rejected by the people of Ethiopia.