August 15, 2005
Ethiopian Review

CUD candidate Ato Desta Kasse told Ethiopian Review today that he will not compete with EPRDF candidate Bereket Simon in the reelection that was called by the Election Board.

Even though Ato Desta won the election, the EPRDF Propaganda Minister Bereket Simon demanded reelection saying his opponent cheated. Without talking to Ato Desta or any of the Bugna woreda residents, the Election Board agreed with Ato Bereket and called a reelection for August 21. The Election Board chairman Ato Kemal Bedri fired all election officials in the Bugna woreda and brought new officials from other regions who are EPRDF cadres.

Currently, under Ato Bereket’s order, EPRDF cadres, supported by Federal police, are rounding up young people through out the Lalibela area and detaining them to preempt any protest ahead of the re-election. People who are suspected of supporting CUD are also being fired from their jobs.

Ato Bereket and his heavily armed cadres are terrorizing the people of Wollo at this very moment. They are crying out for help.

Ato Desta said that under these circumstances, participating in the reelection will be useless.