The Coalition for Unity & Democracy requests re-vote in the following woredas due to gross election irregularities
GOJAM
1. BITCHENA
In contravention of electoral laws, six armed militia were stationed at every voting
station before voting took place. These armed militia not only prevented
observers from accessing the election station but also chased out observers who
were already there to observe the electoral process.
CUD representatives were forced to sign and certify some election results which
were highly flawed.
People were forced to put a mark on the Bee (EPRDF’s election symbol).
People who lined up to vote were muzzled and therefore could not vote.
Boxes which contained the votes were either torn or the button was broken and
others were found open. We broken and others were found open. We brought
these matters to the attention of the election supervisor. He however said that the
matter was beyond his competence and therefore referred to wereda court.
2. EDE WEHA
CUD representatives were forced to leave the election station.
CUD representatives were forced by armed militia to conduct the election in an
illegal manner.
The EPRDF armed militia have harassed and beat the people and forced them to
swear and sign statements.
The wereda administrators entered the election stations and harassed and misled
the people.
Election cards were distributed a day before the election date.
Complaints have been lodged because the electoral process were illegal.
3. GENDE WOYNE
CUD representatives at the voting stations were chased away by armed militia.
Supporters of CUD were prevented from voting.
Registration cards were confiscated from 13 students who were believed would
vote for CUD.
Kebele officials and armed militia forced people to make marks on the Bee sign.
4. DEJEN
CUD representatives were prevented from following the voting process and from
observing the voting.
In some voting stations votes were counted in private homes.
Excess voting cards were found.
CUD representatives were forced by armed militia to sign and certify voting
results they did not believe to be accurate.
Ballot boxes were removed by government officials before the voting was over.
Voting cards were discovered in ballot boxes before voting took place.
Kebele and woreda officials entered the secret booth where one marks the ballot
and forced people to vote Bee.
Voting cards were taken away by the order of government officials.
Counting of votes was done by armed militia and kebele leaders rather than by
election supervisors.
Complaints were lodged to the woreda election supervisor who claimed that
those complaints were above his authority.
5. DEBREWORK
Supporters of CUD were singled out and were denied the right to vote.
Voting started very late.
Woreda and kebele officials entered the election station armed with weapons and
threatened people to vote for EPRDF.
Voting cards were illegally found in the possession of election supervisors.
Locked Ballot boxes were broken into and the votes cast by the people were
tampered with and cancelled.
6. MERTO LEMARYAM
CUD representatives were prevented from observing the voting by armed
militia. Some were even detained.
Administrators and armed militia accessed the election station, thus threatening
the voting public.
CUD representatives were coerced with weapons into signing the election results.
The cadres of the ruling party illegally stiffed the ballot box with many ballots.
7. SEDE
CUD supporters were forcefully taken from election stations and beaten and
flogged. Others were detained overnight.
Voting results which showed the CUD victory were confiscated by armed militia.
CUD representatives were prevented from attending the counting of votes.
EPRDF cadres and administrators stuffed up to 8 voting cards into the ballot box.
Keys of ballot boxes were broken and cheating was common.
Not only cheating took place, but people were denied their rights.
8. AMANUEL
We have not secured any assurance though we have won in large margin in
many voting stations, despite widespread cheating, threats and harassment.
9. DEGO TSION
CUD representatives were prevented from observing the voting process.
Administrators and armed militia harassed voters.
CUD supporters were prevented from voting.
Documents were defaced and there was a lot of cheating
10. DEBRE MARKOS
Though there were several problems similar to other electoral districts, the
results to other electoral district were not properly announced.
11. LUMAME
CUD representatives were harassed detained and beaten.
Armed militia and administrators have beaten people, and told them to vote for
EPRDF under pain of penalty such as threat and beating.
CUD supporters were prevented from voting.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the date of the election
12. YEJUBE
CUD representatives were harassed detained and beaten.
Armed militia and administrators have beaten up people and threatened them
with weapons to vote for the EPRDF.
CUD supporters were prevented from voting.
Armed militia continued to conduct illegal campaign on the date of voting.
13. DEBRE ELIAS
CUD representative were harassed, imprisoned and beaten.
Armed militia and administrators have beaten up people and threatened them
with weapons to vote for EPRDF.
Supporters of CUD were prevented from voting.
Illegal campaigns were undertaken by armed militia on the date of election.
14. ROB GEBEYA
CUD representatives were chased away, imprisoned and beaten.
Armed militia and administrators have beaten up voters and threatened them
with weapons to vote for EPRDF.
CUD supporters were denied the opportunity to fote for CUD candidates.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the day of the election
15. KEY
CUD representatives were chased away, imprisoned and beaten.
Armed militia and administrators have beaten up voters and threatened them
with weapons to vote for EPRDF.
CUD supporters were denied the opportunity to vote for CUD candidates.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the day of the election.
16. AMBER
CUD representatives have been chased, beaten and detained.
Armed militia and administrators have beaten up voters and threatened them
with weapons to vote for EPRDF candidates.
CUD supporters were denied the right to vote.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the date of election.
17. GOZAMEN
CUD representatives have been chased, beaten and detained.
Armed militia and administrators have beaten up voters and threatened them with
weapons to vote for EPRDF candidates.
CUD supporters were denied the right to vote.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the date of election.
AWI ZONE
1. KOSSO BER
More than 70 armed militia were assigned to rob the voting cards of voters.
CUD representatives were chased away from observing, were beaten and
threatened.
EPRDF cadres and officials have voted on behalf of the people.
CUD supporters were denied the right to vote.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the date of election.
2. ADDIS KEDAM
Many armed militia members were assigned to steal voting cards of the people.
CUD representatives were forced to leave the election station.
EPRDF cadres and officials have voted on behalf of the people.
CUD supporters were denied the right to vote.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the date of election.
3. GEMEJABET
Many armed militia members were assigned to steal voting cards of the people.
CUD representatives were forced to leave the election station.
EPRDF cadres and officials have voted on behalf of the people.
CUD supporters were denied the right to vote.
Armed militia conducted illegal campaign on the date of election.
SOUTH WOLLO
1. JAMMA
Supporter of CUD were prevented from voting by forcing them to surrender their
registration cards to the authorities.
CUD representatives/observers were forced to leave the polling station.
Vote counting was fraught with fraudulent acts.
The election process started before the scheduled time and before CUD observers
reported to polling station.
The ballot boxes were found ripped.
Election was called off prior to the scheduled time because of disturbances.
There were numerous militiamen at each polling station intimidating the voters.
2. SAYNT NO. 1
Armed personnel were stationed at every polling station to intimidate and frighten the
voters.
CUD observers were beaten and dismissed from the voting site.
Armed personnel threatened CUD observers that they would be hurt unless they left
the voting areas.
Ballot boxes were ripped.
There polling stations where votes are still not counted
There were polling stations where there were more voting cards than registered
voters.
Musical shows were run and alcoholic drinks served in several polling stations.
CUD supporters, especially the youths, were prevented from voting.
Only about one-half of voters turned on hand actually voted.
The landless were not allowed to vote.
Voters were coerced to mark Bee.
Booth privacy was lacking and kebele chairpersons gave orders to voters to vote
anywhere they are shown.
Election administrators were not neutral; they were giving instructions to voters to
mark Bee.
CUD observers were forced to sign election results.
3. SAYNT NO. 2
CUD observers were bullied.
Armed personnel intimidated voters.
Weapons were used to frighten votes.
Keys to the ballot boxes were broken.
4. MEKDELA
CUD observers were bullied.
Armed personnel intimidated voters.
Weapons were used to frighten voters.
Keys to ballot boxes were broken.
CUD supporters were prevented from voting
5. DEBRE SINA NO. 1
There were more voting cards than registered voters.
Many armed personnel were present terrorizing CUD observes and supporters, and
intimidating voters.
Police were at the polling station negatively influencing the election process.
Voters were manhandled and instructed to vote for EPRDF.
Government officials participated to coerce voters to elect EPRDF.
CUD supporters were prevented from voting.
6. DEBRE SINA NO. 2
CUD observers were chased away by armed personnel.
CUD supporters were not allowed to vote.
Votes from CUD were illegally disregarded during counting.
7. TANTA
CUD observers were not allowed to participate.
Kebele leader were caught red-handed with extra voting cards.
Voters were coerced to vote for EPRDF.
Election administrators were pressured to do as told.
CUD supporters were not allowed to vote.
8. KELELA
CUD observers were denied access to voting premises.
Weapons were used to force registered voters not to vote.
Some ballot boxed had broken keys and others were open or were not locked.
CUD observers were forced to sign election results.
9. AKASTA
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
10. KUTA BER
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
11. WEREYILLU
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
12. WEYN AMBA
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
13. DESSIE ZURIA NO. 3
By deploying a large number of armed personnel, CUD representatives were
harshly beaten, were involuntarily dispersed to deny them participation in the vote
casting and counting processes, and were forced to sign formats containing
managed results of the election
Through aggressively conducted intimidating actions, local authorities and armed
personnel gave ultimatum to voters to mark NIB, the EPRDF insignia, on the
voting cards
Vote counting was heavily swindled
Long delay was made to occur on purpose in order to frustrate CUD youth
supporters from casting their votes
Woreda administrators and armed personnel openly campaigned on the very
election day in stark contradiction with electoral regulations
NORTH WOLLO
1. DELANTA ELCTORAL DISTRICT
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
2. MEKET NO. 1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
3. MEKET NO. 2
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
4. GHIDAN
CUD proxies were chased away from each of the polling stations in the District
In the absence of CUD observers inside the voting chamber voters were instructed to
vote as told
Government officers and armed personnel were in the premises of the vote casting
areas intimidating voters
CUD supporters returned home without casting their votes because of the forbidding
environment, especially the intimidation from government authorities and the
armed personnel
5. WADLA ELELCTORAL DISTRICT
Children (under the age of eighteen) were allowed to cast votes
Voting cards were inappropriately distributed
6. KOBO
Keys to the ballot boxes were broken
CUD proxies were severely beaten
CUD proxies were jailed during the entire course of the election on the election
day including while counting votes
Votes were counted in the absence of CUD proxies and wrongful vote counts
were registered
7. GUBALAFTO
CUD proxies were imprisoned
Votes were counted illegally in the absence of CUD representatives
Government authorities and armed personnel used their power to intimidated and
frighten people to vote against their expressed will
EPRDF cadres were inside the voting areas intimidating voters to mark NIB, the
EPRDF election insignia
Numerous voting cards were issued out to each of the a priori known EPRDF
cadres.
EPRDF cadres did campaigning on the election day against NEB regulations
SOUTH GONDER
1. TACH GAINT
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
2. FARTA NO. 2
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
3. FARTA NO. 3
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
4. LAY GAINT NO. 1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
5. LAY GAINT NO. 2
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
6. SIMADA NO. 1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
7. ESTE NO. 1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
8. ESTE NO. 2
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
9. ESTE NO. 3
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
10. DERA NO. 1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
11. KEMKEM NO.1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
12. KEMKEM NO. 2
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
13. IBNET NO. 1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
14. IBNET NO. 2
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
15. FOGGERA NO. 1
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
16. FOGGERA NO. 2
CUD proxies were denied participation in the election process on the election day
itself through illegal dismissal; government authorities and armed personnel
attempted to pressure voters to give their votes to EPRDF
Ballot boxes fell in the hands of and stayed with unauthorized individuals; vote
count was swindled and wrongful election result was recorded
Prior to putting in place essential electoral facilities including the space to
confidentially cast votes, government authorities and armed personnel ensured
that marks were made on unspecified number of voting cards
Disguising themselves as authorized mobile observers, woreda officials forced
voters to cast their votes to EPRDF
Because additional voting cards were distributed to armed personnel and trusted
EPRDF cadres, the task of vote counting was solely entrusted to EPRDF
NORTH GONDER
1. ALEFA TAKUSA NO. 1
CUD observers were dismissed
Keys to Ballot Boxes were broken and votes were counted in the absence of
observers
More than 50 observers were jailed
2. LEFA TAKUSA NO. 2
CUD observers were imprisoned
Keys to Ballot Boxes were broken and votes were counted in the absence of
observers
Voters suspected to go for CUD were made to disperse with gunshots
3. BELESA
Voters were told while they were going to the polling stations that they would not
have any future unless they cast their votes to EPRDF
There are evidences to the fact that voting cards were actually distributed prior to
the election day
Woreda administrators were at the polling stations throughout the day scaring
voters not to vote for anyone but EPRDF
There is a report to the fact that the entire election process was illegal
Observers were dismissed, and CUD supporters were not allowed to vote
NORTH SHEWA (AMHARA REGION)
1. MERAGNA
Through intimidation and in the absence of observers, the ruling party made itself
the sole candidate
There were undue interventions by the authorities and armed personnel to frighten
off people from participating in the election with the sole purpose of ensuring
EPRDF election
CUD supporters were the prime target of the illegal actions of the government
authorities and the armed personnel
2. ALEM KETEMA
Voting took place in the absence of CUD observers; they were earlier dismissed
by government authorities in collaboration with the armed personnel
EPRDF cadres were allowed to be at the inner circle of the voting chamber
instructing voters to mark NIB, the EPRDF insignia
In the event that the voters refused to mark NIB, the cadres took over the cards
from the voters and did themselves the marking
Musical shows were allowed to run at each polling station, and alcoholic drinks
were served to election supervisors/managers and observers to detract them away
from carrying out their electoral duties
At each polling station there were EPRDF armed cadres, kebele officials, and
government authorities throughout the day instructing and intimidating voters that
it was incumbent on them to vote for EPRDF
At Magas Polling Station, EPRDF cadres and election managers/supervisors
destroyed by fire filled voting cards
EPRDF cadres, government officials and kebele chairpersons served in the
capacity of election managers/supervisors unashamedly telling voters to mark
bee
Soon after unloading the votes on the counting arena, EPRDF people wrapped the
votes in bed-sheets, put them inside fertilizer bags, and took them away to
unknown destinations where they conducted the counting and declared EPRDF
the winner
Ballot Boxes and sealed envelops were opened before the election date and before
the due time on the election day itself; they were opened in the absence of CUD
observers; the opening of Ballot boxes was done with sharp objects making reuse
virtually impossible
Government officials in the company of numerous armed guards toured polling
stations during the counting and manipulated the result in places where EPRDF
looked on the losing side
While voting, the names and CUD candidates and the sign were folded or
rendered invisible on the voting cards so that EPRDF candidates appeared the
only choice the voters had; any protest from conscious voters was harshly
silenced; later on the protesting voters were jailed
In some polling stations, attempts were made to make use of registration cards
issued out in the previous (2000) election; in still some polling stations
registration cards were issued out to people before they reached the voting, areas;
in other polling stations, the number of voting cards sent was less than registered
voters
In some polling stations CUD observers were made to sign reports/formats
bearing results at a gunpoint; in majority of places there were no CUD observers
and results were made official at the station level without due process
In some polling stations children of age 15 or younger were made to vote
Election managers/supervisors, observers, armed personnel, and others who were
involved in the implementation of the election were wearing t-shirts bearing the
official EPRDF sign, bee
3. MEHAL MEDA
At 3:00 AM on May 15, EPRDF cadres, government officials and kebele leaders
did a house-to house visit using government vehicles reminding voters that they
had no choice but cast their votes to EPRDF candidates; simultaneously telling
voters that failure to do just that would mean self-condemnation
At the time of the election voters were instructed to queue by party they
supported, that is, CUD supporters formed one line and EPRDF’ s another; well
before the designated election closing time, CUD supporters were told to go home
on the pretext that the election time was over
On the election day armed government officials busied themselves moving all
along the paths leading to the polling stations reminding voters with intimidation
that they had no choice but to vote for EPRDF
In some polling stations, voters were forced to mark on their voting cards in the
open since there was no provision of a secluded space for the purpose; EPRDF
cadres forced observers to leave the vote casting premises and were
communicating one another via walky-talkies directing voters to mark NIB on
their voting cards.
EAST SHEWA-OROMIYA REGION
1. BOSSET AND FENTALE WOREDA
In this woreda an individual, who appointed himself as the sole authority for the election
in one of the polling stations, was caught red-handed putting 400 stolen and marked
voting cards into a ballot box. Later, the Bosset and Fentale Woreda election board
acknowledged the mishap and it decided that there would be a re-election in that
particular voting station. But similar atrocious irregularities have occurred in several
other polling stations in the woreda, including:
1. Bole ‘a’ and ‘b’
2. Derra 01 and Derra Kombe Kebele
3. Nura Hussen Derra ‘a’
4. Degaga Farm ‘a’
5. Bosse Deche ‘a’
In addition, in these polling stations CUD observers were harshly beaten, imprisoned
and/or told to leave the voting premises, and thus the election process was carried out
without observers.
2. SHASHEMENE
Election managers/supervisors in 37 polling stations were illiterate and it was
very difficult to communicate with them and it was not possible to obtain
essential information
The election officers later told CUD proxies/observers to leave the election
premises largely because of the lack of communication and understanding
Five ballot boxes were ripped and later were delivered to police
3. GHIMBICHU AKAKI
CUD proxies/observers were told to leave the election premises
Voting and counting were done exclusively by NBE appointed election officers
and EPRDF cadres
Election result was deliberately exaggerated favoring EPRDF
NORTH SHEWA-OROMIYA REGION
1. SULILTA AND MULU
Voters were denied to exercise their rights through dismissal of CUD observers and
intimidation from EPRDF talebearers telling people while trekking to the polling station
and at the station itself falsehoods such as denial of access to agricultural inputs, credit,
school, etc., and imprisonment unless they cast their votes to EPRDF. Votes were
counted in the absence of observers and the result was manipulated.
2. ABACHUNA EJIRA (DARRA)
CUD election staff and observers were stoned, harshly beaten, imprisoned and driven out
by force from the election premises. Voting and counting were done without observers.
3. WERREJARSO
It is the same story. CUD proxies/observers were denied access to the election premises.
Through intimidation people were denied their democratic rights. They were cheated and
the election result is a huge fake.
4. DEBRELIBANOS (DEBRETSIGHE)
CUD observers were threatened and eventually EPRDF cadres showed them the exit door
by force. The result is unacceptable.
5. SHENO
The electoral district includes Kinbibit, Abichena and Naa’a Woredas. Election results
were not posted on time for every stakeholder to see as per the election regulations. This
happened because in the process of counting the fact that OPDO was leading at Abichena
and Naa’a (Mendida) by 3000 votes and CUD was leading at Kinbibit by 6000 votes was
too much for the EPRDF authorities to bear. They therefore started to negotiate with the
election supervisors/managers to alter the course of the counting, that is, to manage the
result. The latter agreed some voluntarily and others pressured to accept the swindling.
Accordingly the following happened in the Sheno Electoral District:
The administered results were posted only on Friday May 20th in which OPDO
was declared the winner for the national parliament with 24,952 votes against
CUD’ s 23,724 while CUD was given two of the three seats for the Regional
Council with 11,962 and 11,951 votes. The third seat was awarded to OPDO with
8,671 votes. These figures are themselves are an evidence/indicator of the fact
that the election was managed.
Moreover, the difference between the number of votes OPO or CUD received for
the national parliament and the regional council is too large to consider it a
reflection of a true situation.
The election managers/supervisors are the main culprits for the result and the
people have seriously contested the result. Unless acted upon as fast as possible
by the Election Board, it might be inviting for unrest to occur in the area.
In some polling stations kebele leaders and not EPRDF cadres and government
officials supervised the election process of course in the absence of observers.
Here, the difference in the number of votes OPDO and CUD received was much
smaller, another indication of manipulation in the vote counting.
On Monday May 8th information reached to CUD candidates that vote counting
was taking place in the premises of the woreda education office. When they
arrived at the place they were chased away by police telling them that it was none
of their business to be there at the time.
WEST SHEWA
1. ADDIS ALEM
The election process was carried out in the absence of observers. CUD observers were
unwelcome and they were harassed and chased away by force
2. META ROBE
At all polling stations EPRDF had carried out the election process itself in the absence of
observers. The election managers were all EPRDF cadres.
3. ADABERGA
Election-related supplies and formats reached the electoral district but a while later
authorities confiscated them for no specified reasons. CUD observers were denied access
to the election premises and the process was completed in the absence of observers.
PROBLEMS NOTED IN THE GURAGHE ZONE
1. LANFRO WOREDA (MITTO TORA)
EPRDF employed the same tactics as it did elsewhere at Lanfro. CUD observers were
shown the door by force. The ruling party was the main actor in the entire election
process on May 15th and in the vote counting. The tactics used included intimidating
voters as well as NEB-appointed election supervisors, threatening CUD observers, in
violation of election regulations running campaign activities on the Election Day itself.
2. KIBET
Once again CUD observers were unwelcome. Voters were intimidated. Votes casting and
counting were done without observers.
3. MESKAN AND MAREKO NO. 2
EPRDF was more vibrant with its malicious moves in this electoral district. Some
observers were jailed. Still some were driven away at gunpoint. Others were mocked at
and insulted. EPRDF cadres and government authorities openly admonished voters that
reprisal actions would be taken against them if they voted for the opposition. The entire
election process in this area was a farce.
ARSI ZONE
1. ABOMSA
Because of the unwillingness of the ruling party and the government officials to
act as per the election regulations, at one polling station while the EPRDF cadres
were counting the votes they found 426 votes which were unmarked. But they
were included in the count with NIB marked on each of them.
Voters were openly admonished to go with EPRDF if they wanted to avoid
personal problems in the post-election era.
Members of the ruling party and government officials were each given several
voting cards.
EPRDF also used very cheap and of course illegal measures like mounting a
traditional beehive on a tree where the voting was to be conducted in one of the
stations a day before the election day in a visible fashion. On the Election Day the
EPRDF cadres were constantly directing voters’ attention to the hive.
2. ASCO
There were three polling stations in this electoral district. Authorities dished out
aggressive and intimidating treatments to the observers in each of the three stations in the
usual way. At the end of the day, the EPRDF cadres refused to agree to and sign the
observations the observers noted on the process. In fact, the authorities were too irate
over the observations to let the CUD representatives go free. They jailed all of them.
3. SAGURE
In this electoral district CUD observers were 53 polling stations. While casting vote was
going on May 15th , armed personnel disbursed CUD observers in 49 of the polling
stations. Other irregularities that occurred on the day included:
CUD observers were beaten in 25 polling stations before they were jailed before
the election was done Ballot boxes were taken to unknown destinations
Some parts of jointly agreed election-related documents were deleted
4. AFAR REGION
There were eight electoral districts in the region. The following irregularities have
occurred:
In all of the electoral districts, CUD observers were harassed, beaten and some
jailed. Thus election was completed in the absence of CUD proxies.
Government authorities and armed personnel were at every polling stations
unduly influencing every step of the election process
The CUD candidate for the national parliament to represent the Awa Woreda, Ato
Delghi Ahmed, was detained by government armed personnel at 8:00 AM on May
15 the where about of who remains unknown up to this moment
Irregularities were all reported to the regional election board, but the board did
show willingness to respond
About 2000 voters in Assaita were told to go home before electing by members of
the armed forces on suspicion that they were CUD supporters
Highland-origin persons living in the region’s urban centers who were eligible to
vote were barred from voting on suspicion that they would vote for CUD
In the evening of May 18, 2005, pictures of Hitler and Mussolini with a statement
that labeled CUD more monstrous than the two dictators were widely distributed
intended to bias vote counting
WEST HARARGHE
1. CHIRO NO. 1
The electoral district is relatively more rural and not easily accessible. This gave
the ruling party the opportunity to use its government structure to misinform the
public about the 2005 national and regional election well before the Election Day.
On the Election Day 45 CUD observers surrendered their identification cards by
force, were beaten and prohibited from any participation in the election process.
The local election board was non-responsive to irregularities reported to it.
CUD observers were active in nine polling stations. These observers were
subjected to a number of abuses and harassment
Because of the above mentioned factors which seriously undermined the legality
of the election, locally-based CUD office reported to the local election board in
writing that the election was not free and fair, and a secure environment was
lacking on the election day. It also took the matter to court.
2. DOBBA
CUD assigned to observers at each of the 44 polling stations the electoral district
had. Except in five polling stations, the observers were denied access to the
premises of the polling stations, and thus they did not dispense their mandated
duties.
CUD observers assigned to Urge, Lento, Walt, Ad, Negheya, Dire, Fersama, and
Kufasa polling stations were not only deterred from carrying out their
responsibilities but they also experienced life threatening situations
At Iffa Ghemechisa, Bebeha, Kobasa, Libu, and Bedday polling stations five
voters suspected to vote for CUD were forced to surrender their identification
cards and returned home without voting.
In one polling station, there was an attempt to kill the CUD candidate for the
national parliament. At the Negheya Polling Station, the CUD candidate for the
national parliament was jailed
3. HARARE REGION
JEGOL
CUD representatives in kebeles 01, 02, 03, and 04 refused to sign the joint report
on the result outcomes on grounds that they did not conduct their duties in a free
atmosphere.
The regional election board did not provide kebeles 03 and 04 voting cards to
elect candidates running for the regional council.
The results shown on the agreed and signed report for many polling stations did
not correspond with those posted for public consumption.
At Ghenda Fero polling station, the OPDO observers entered marks on voting
cards other than those of the voters in cases where voters opted for the opposition,
and the votes were made null and void as per the election regulations.
At Halenghe and Eskul polling stations, the ballot boxes were taken to woreda
office of the election board prior to counting.
At Miay polling station, votes for the opposition were segregated and then burnt.
Before counting was done with and in a situation where CUD was leading, there
were cases where OPDO candidate were declared winners
In polling stations where CUD observers were denied access, the election officers
are saying that they cannot consciously accept the results and express their
readiness to serve as witnesses if required
Police denied entry into voting premises to CUD observers at kebeles Ghenda
Gara, Awaber Kele, Dessie Sera, and 10 other polling stations the names of which
can be provided if desired
A UEDF observer at HARA 01 kebele was jailed during vote counting, and CUD
observer was coerced to sign the joint report bearing the election result
All of these irregularities have been presented to the regional court. The court required a
report from the regional election board. But the board staffs have not been in their offices
let alone investigating the cases and reporting to the court.
SNNPR
1. SODO ZURIA, NO. 1
There were more votes than those the voters actually put into the ballot boxes
at every polling station
The keys to the ballot boxes were broken on purpose; observers were fired,
and additional cards were added into the boxes in many of the polling stations
Counting was done in the absence of observers
Armed personnel were stationed near the ballot boxes and were ordering rural
voters in particular to mark NIB
The majority of candidates’ representatives did not sign reports on the election
results
1.2 SODO ZURIA NO. 2
There were more cards in the ballot boxes than issued
Government and EPRDF cadres campaigned on the election day
CUD cadres were denied access to the premises of the polling stations
Casting votes and counting were done without the presence of observers
In most polling stations observers did not acknowledge and sign the election
results
1.3 BOLOSSO SORRE ELCTORAL DISTRICT NO. 1
EPRDF cadres and government officials chained hands and feet two youths,
laid them down on a soccer pitch and tortured them to teach CUD supporting
youths an unforgettable lesson
At three stations, the ruling party brought pre-signed papers and put them
inside the ballot boxes
After illegally getting rid off the observers, elections administrators in
association with government officials removed the ballot boxes to different
locations and did the counting
Government officials in collaboration with the election administrators cut off
power and stuffed in the ballot boxes undetermined number of marked votes
1.4 TEBELA
The election took place in the absence of representatives of the opposition.
The authorities barred their presence.
Because of the absence of observers, election results were not authenticated
1.5 KIDO KOISHA NO. 1 & 2
Observers of the CUD candidates were prevented from participating in the
election process
The election was called off at 3:00 PM instead of the scheduled 6:00 PM
The woreda administrator was inside the election booth on the pretext that he
was an observer. His purpose was to intimidate the voters.
Proxy voters were allowed to vote on behalf of their registered friends who
were on trip on the election day
1.6 DAMOT GALLE NO. 1
Kebele militia were stationed around the ballot box not to allow voters who
did not mark NIB to put their cards into the box
In urban polling stations after it was known that CUD won, the authorities in
collaboration with the election administrators took away the ballot boxes to
the countryside and fixed the results as they wished
CUD observers did not authenticate/sign the election results
1.7 DAMOT GALLE NO. 2
Kebele militia were stationed around the ballot boxes preventing voters who
1did not mark NIB from putting their cards into the box
In urban polling stations when CUD’ s victory was ascertained, the authorities
in collaboration with the election administrators took away the ballot boxes to
the countryside and fixed the results as they wished
2. Semen Omo Zone
2.1. Selam Ber
Once they understood that CUD is leading in 29 polling stations, the vote
counting process in the remaining centers was done after the expulsion of our
observers from the area.
Our observers didn’t sign on the results of counted votes.
In Morka, Bola, Kuto, Dele Kaise, Goila, Fango, Zulo Wacha election centers,
a total of 1,010 CUD supporters, identified and separated by their names, were
forbidden from voting.
Locks of the ballot box was broken and illegal activities performed after
forcefully taking it from the “election officials” kept overnight, the ballot box
was found next day in the house of the Chairman of Woide Wako Kebele,
after keeping it overnight.
Representative of a candidate was seriously beaten and hurt.
2.2. Gofa No.1
Our supporters were expelled by force and were made to stay away from
polling station.
After recognizing that CUD vote is leading in Saula town, they immediately
went to rural areas, where voting and vote counting were done after expelling
our observers from the polling stations.
Ballot boxes were stolen and locks broken. These crimes were committed by
the officials and cadres of the ruling party.
Results of vote counting were notified without signatures of our observers.
Moving from station to station, Government officials have illegally forced
voters to vote for the ruling party (Bee).
2.3. Gofa No.2
Our supporters were expelled by force and were made to stay away from polling
station.
After recognizing that CUD vote is leading in Saula town, they immediately went
to rural areas, where voting and vote counting were done after expelling our
observers from the polling stations.
Ballot boxes were stolen and locks broken. These crimes were committed by the
officials and cadres of the ruling party.
Results of vote counting were notified without signatures of our observers.
Moving from station to station, Government officials have illegally forced voters
to vote for the ruling party (Bee).
2.4. Melekoza
Representatives of our candidates were expelled from 11 polling stations by
police force and armed militia, and prohibited from observing the election
process.
CUD prohibited from conducting was pre-election campaigns in 14 Kebeles.
Voters were forced to mark on the election symbol of the ruling party “Bee”.
CUD’s observers didn’t sign on the results of the vote counting.
2.5. Dara Malo
Despite the detention of over 40 of our observers and the application we made
to boycott the election, the surrounding people came out and voted in their
polling stations. Although, the vote counting results of 38 polling stations
show that we were in the lead by over 2,000 votes, the overall result was
changed due to the votes counted in the other polling stations, where our
observers were absent.
Our representatives didn’t sign in all polling stations.
2.6. Kemba
Although we have won in most of the polling stations, results of the remaining eight
polling stations were not disclosed to us.
Our observers didn’t sign on the results of the eight polling stations.
Ballot boxes were kept illegally for several days in the hands of individuals (in their
homes).
2.7. Oida special
Our recruited observers were prohibited from going to the polling stations.
Our observers were taken and detained in Gofa prison.
There was intimidation and harassment of voters, by showing the election symbol of
the ruling party (Bee) and telling them that measures will be taken against them
unless they mark on it.
Members of the Cabinet (woreda officials) have entered into the secret voting booth,
and forced voters by holding their hands to mark on the Bee symbol.
3. Sidama Zone
3.1. Bensa
The Woreda officials have campaigned for the ruling party, by wearing T-shirts with
the Bee symbol and moving to various poling stations using motorcycles on the
election day.
The voting process was disrupted due to unnecessary argument with voters and
disorder created by them.
They have forced voters to mark on the Bee symbol, by entering into the secret voting
booth.
By deliberately slowing down the voting process, about 762 voters were not able to
vote and forcedly went back home with their Electorion cards.
Ballot boxes were illegally opened and ballot papers were looted during
transportation.
Vote counting results that are not signed by our observers are considered.
3.2. Aroraesa
People were forced to vote against their choices.
Observers were forbidden to observe the election process at polling stations.
Observers did not sign results of the vote counting, since they were not allowed to
observe.
3.3. Argeguna
People were forced to vote against their choices.
Observers were prohibited from observing the election process.
Observers didn’t sign on the results of the vote, since they were not allowed to
observe.
3.4. Dara
With the aim of reverting our gains in town, voting in the rural areas was illegally
conducted in the absence and/or exclusion of our observers.
Observers didn’t sign on results of vote counting.
Voters were forced to mark on the Bee symbol of the ruling party.
Many voters were not able to vote due to deliberate slowing down of the voting
processes.
Ballot boxes were opened out side the polling stations and marked ballot papers
were stolen and/or changed.
3.5. Desie
With the aim of reverting our gains in town, voting in the rural areas was illegally
conducted in the absence and/or exclusion of our observers.
Observers didn’t sign on results of vote counting.
Voters were forced to mark on the Bee symbol of the ruling party.
Many voters were not able to vote due to deliberate slowing down of the voting
processes.
Ballot boxes were opened out side the polling stations and marked ballot papers
were stolen and/or changed.
3.6. Duba
With the aim of reverting our gains in town, voting in the rural areas was illegally
conducted in the absence and/or exclusion of our observers.
Observers didn’t sign on results of vote counting.
Voters were forced to mark on the Bee symbol of the ruling party.
Many voters were not able to vote due to deliberate slowing down of the voting
processes.
Ballot boxes were opened out side the polling stations and marked ballot papers
were stolen and/or changed.
3.7. Shafena
With the aim of reverting our gains in town, voting in the rural areas was illegally
conducted in the absence and/or exclusion of our observers.
Observers didn’t sign on results of vote counting.
Voters were forced to mark on the Bee symbol of the ruling party.
Many voters were not able to vote due to deliberate slowing down of the voting
processes.
Ballot boxes were opened out side the polling stations and marked ballot papers
were stolen and/or changed.
3.8. Chuko
Polling stations for the constituency are located both in the urban and rural areas.
Noticing the overwhelming victory of CUD candidate in the urban counting, the
activity in the rural polling stations was undertaken in the absence of CUD
representatives. Thus reversing the pattern.
CUD observers did not sign on the reporting format.
Voters were forcefully made to mark on the “bee”, the election sign for the ruling
part.
By excessively showing down the voting process, people were made frustrate and
went back home without casting their votes.
By opening the ballot boxes unlawfully out side the election center, votes were
stolen and/or counting distorted.
3.9. Centeria
Polling stations for the constituency are located both in the urban and rural areas.
Noticing the overwhelming victory of CUD candidate in the urban counting, the
activity in the rural polling stations was undertaken in the absence of CUD
representatives. Thus reversing the pattern.
CUD observers did not sign on the reporting format.
Voters were forcefully made to mark on the “bee”, the election sign for the ruling
part.
By excessively elongating the voting process, people were made frustrate and
went back home without casting their votes.
By opening the ballot boxes unlawfully out side the election center, votes were
stolen and/or counting distorted.
3.10. Hagire Selam
Polling stations for the constituency are located both in the urban and rural areas.
Noticing the overwhelming victory of CUD candidate in the urban counting, the
activity in the rural polling stations was undertaken in the absence of CUD
representatives. Thus reversing the pattern.
CUD observers did not sign on the reporting format.
Voters were forcefully made to mark on the “bee”, the election sign for the ruling
part.
By excessively elongating the voting process, people were made frustrate and
went back home without casting their votes.
By opening the ballot boxes unlawfully out side the election center, votes were
stolen and/or counting distorted.
3.11. Bursa
Polling stations for the constituency are located both in the urban and rural areas.
Noticing the overwhelming victory of CUD candidate in the urban counting, the
activity in the rural polling stations was undertaken in the absence of CUD
representatives. Thus reversing the pattern.
CUD observers did not sign on the reporting format.
Voters were forcefully made to mark on the “bee”, the election sign for the ruling
part.
By excessively elongating the voting process, people were made frustrate and
went back home without casting their votes.
By opening the ballot boxes unlawfully out side the election center, votes were
stolen and/or counting distorted.
3.12. Balela
With the aim of reverting our gains in town, voting in the rural areas was illegally
conducted in the absence and/or exclusion of our observers.
Observers didn’t sign on results of vote counting.
Voters were forced to mark on the Bee symbol of the ruling party.
Many voters were not able to vote due to deliberate slowing down of the voting
processes.
Ballot boxes were opened out side the polling stations and marked ballot papers
were stolen and/or changed.
3.13. Guracha
With the aim of reverting our gains in town, voting in the rural areas was illegally
conducted in the absence and/or exclusion of our observers.
Observers didn’t sign on results of vote counting.
Voters were forced to mark on the Bee symbol of the ruling party.
Many voters were not able to vote due to deliberate slowing down of the voting
processes.
Ballot boxes were opened out side the polling stations and marked ballot papers
were stolen and/or changed.
4. Dawro Zone
4.1. Essera Tocha
Before the start of the election, our observer at Beshendo election centere was
severely beaten. Although taken to Jimma Hospital, the observer passed away on
May 17, 2005.
False ballot papers were found.
People who came to cast their ballot were beaten.
All 916 voters with educational level of grade 4 to 12, were separated from among
the voters and forced back home without casting their ballots.
Observers did not sign on the results of vote counting.
4.2. South Omo
Before the election day, ballot paper with markings on the bee were used to
agitating the voting people.
Election officials and members of the woreda cabinet have marked ballot papers
using pens on behalf of the uneducated voters who use only their finger-prints to
vote. This makes the election invalid.
Not making ready the balloting booth, the people were made to mark on the ballot
papers openly infront of the other.
Observers were chased away from the polling stations.
Breaking the locks of the ballot boxes and making them disappear and the results
were made unknown.
Killing oxen on the polling day feasts were prepared to bribe the voters.
Transporting the same food to all other polling stations, the activity was conducted
all over.
Observers did not sign on the results of vote counting.
1. Jimma Zone
Deddo Wereda
The finger prints on the ballot paper sent to the area for counting were not visible
Our representatives in 54 polling staitons were expelled.
Gera Wereda
Ato Mulu Getahun our candidate for the House of Representatives was expelled
from the area by the woreda authorities and had to migrate to Jimma before the
election day.
We were not allowed to assign our observers.
In 53 polling station elections were conducted in the absence of observers and
candidates even in the area.
Seka Chekorsa No. 1
Our observers at 41 polling stations were forced to leave the place due to the
pressure made to them.
Our observers at 12 pooling stations were snatched their ID cards and other
document and expelled from the areas.
Signatures of agreement were not put on election documents.
Gatira
In 28 of the 58 poling stations individuals were assigned in the secrete booth
advising voters to mark on the “Bee symbol”.
Armed soldiers were allowed in to the polling compound.
To cause fatigue and frustration our observers were not allowed to sit and observe.
In Susa Kebele a lady was beaten and killed.
Limu Kossa No. 1
All of our observers were expelled from the polling stations.
It was Mahamud Abamerhabu, the chairman of the Kebelle, who signed on the
reporting format of vote counting results at Buti poling station.
Goma No. 2 Constituency- about half CUD’s assigned observers were chased
away while the other half were imprisoned.
Mana (Kalu) – about half CUD’s assigned observers were chased
away while the other half were imprisoned.
Jima Kersa – about half CUD’s assigned observers were chased away
while the other half were imprisoned.
Limu Seka – about half CUD’s assigned observers were chased away
while the other half were imprisoned.
Limu Kossa No. 2- about half CUD’s assigned observers were
chased away while the other half were imprisoned.
Seka Chekorsa – about half CUD’s assigned observers were chased
away while the other half were imprisoned.
Amonada – about half CUD’s assigned observers were chased away
while the other half were imprisoned.
Illubabor Zone
Bilu Nopa
CUD assigned observers were chased away from 21 polling stations
Administrator and other officials of the woreda took the ballot boxes overnight to
unknown places away from the polling stations at (1) Oromole, (ii) Mole and (iii)
Jirn. The ballot boxes were counted the following morning unlawfully.
Ato Addis Alem, Sibona and Genji polling stations the candidate himself caused
the vote counting and made CUD observers sign by force.
After causing repeated power interruptions, votes counted earlier for CUD were
reduced by 141 at Algae No. 1 polling station.
Yayu Constitutency – All observers assigned by CUD were chased away
Chora – All observers assigned by CUD were chased away
Bedel – All observers assigned by CUD were chased away
Uko – All observers assigned by CUD were chased away
Keficho Shekicho Zone
Tepi – Two woredas, viz, Yeshko and Guraferda, are found over 100 km
far away from Tepi polling station which is in Yeki woreda. Ballot papers were brought from these two woredas in an obscure manner and counted in the Tepi polling station.
The election Board passed decision and notified us on 25/08/1997 E.C (03 May, 2005) that votes from inhabitants of these two woredas would be counted at “Tepi Constituency”. On the other hand population of Tepi constituency alone is over 120,000.
The election Board notified CUD verbally on 30/08/97 E.C (08 May, 2005) that CUD can compete in the two woredas. As Tepi constituency in Yeki woreda has a population of over 120,000 and as CUD had already won in the votes counted there, we demand that Tepi to remain as an independent constituency in the woreda.
Four official’s of the woreda have put illegally about 4,250 marked ballot papers in
the ballot boxes of the woreda. The four officials are
1. Ato Gemeda Bunglom – Duputy President of Keficho Shekicho zone and a
candidate for the House of people’s representatives (parliament)
representing the ruling party.
2. Ato Abebe Tiku – Head, the Woreda Department of Justice
3. Ato Binega G/Michael – Assigned Cadre of the ruling party for the
Woreda
4. Ato Kibour Zewdie – Chairperson of Kebele 02 in Tepi town.
The fourth person (Ato Kibour) personally had marked the ballot papers with
finger prints in a Hotel Room No. 4 of “Tigist Hotel”). Finger prints marked on the
ballot papers can be technically tested and evidenced using appropriate instruments
on time.
Masha
Adding to “Masha constituency” a Woreda called “Sylem” which never existed administratively or as a nationality was wrong. We complained against the move to the Woreda election Board without appropriate response to.
Observers assigned by CUD were chased away not to discharge their responsibilities as observers.
Wacha
Eighteen (18) observers, from among all others assigned by the CUD and chased away, are
imprisoned.
Bonga (Gimbo)
Total No. of registered voters at “Fetan Polling Station” was 354. But, the ballot papers counted after the election were 600. The extra votes amounting to 246 are illegal.
At “Shupa Woho” polling station a total of 1,742 voters were officially registered and secured election cards. Nevertheless, about 1,101 were denied access to cast their votes and forced to go back to their homes without voting.
Cadres of the ruling party in the woreda made 16 observers sign on the reporting
format by force.
Seventeen (17) CUD observers were chased away and/or imprisoned while the zonal
coordinator was detained not to hand over party letters to CUD members. He was
imprisoned before the election day on charges of false accusation (i.e. election
campaign) and released on Tuesday (i.e after the election).
Six people not registered at “Shoriro Poling Station” came with election cards to
vote. They were caught by the observers and election processes were halted until
the illegal activity was rectified. Because of this, CUD observer was imprisoned
immediately after the election and brought to court on false accusations.
CUD’s candidate for parliament was physically forced out of the queue he was
lining up to vote. He was charged on false accusation of “campaign election”.
Cheri (Regular) Constituency – CUD observers at Bedecha woreda were
beaten and/or chased away.
Felege Selam Constituency – CUD’s observers are arrested or chased away.
Adeye Kaka – CUD’s observers are arrested or chased away.
