, the Congress for Somali Cause (CSC), and Somali Regional Democratic Alliance){kind=link}
Borkena
Toronto – The Somali People’s Alliance SAP, a coalition of three ethnic Somali political parties—Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), the Congress for Somali Cause (CSC), and Somali Regional Democratic Alliance (SRDA)—rejected the Ethiopian election as not fair, free, or credible.
Its criticism seems to relate mostly to an enabling environment. It said it was “conducted in an environment marked by political repression, restriction of opposition activity, intimidation, misuse of state resources, and the overwhelming dominance of the ruling party over state and electoral institutions.”
It also expressed “concern” over statements from the international community that tended to paint a positive picture regarding the process and for hailing the works of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia.
On Tuesday, the European Union, and the diplomatic missions of Canada, Norway, and Switzerland in Ethiopia issued a statement commending the works of the electoral board despite notable complaints from opposition parties, including the Coalition for Ethiopian Unity (CEU), over the lack of an enabling environment, including harassment of members and candidates in parts of the country.
The ruling prosperity party ran without a contender in more than 68 constituencies. Moreover, the election was disrupted in more than 140 electoral districts in the Amhara region.
SAP said the assessment from international communities does not reflect “realities experienced by millions of Ethiopians.” For it, the electoral process “fails to meet the minimum standard of a genuine democratic election and cannot be regarded as a legitimate expression of the will of the people.”
The statement from the coalition asserted that the problem Ethiopia is facing requires what it described as an “inclusive political process” – which should be facilitated by a third party acceptable to all stakeholders. It called on the AU, the United Nations, and other actors “to support the establishment of an independent facilitation mechanism” for Ethiopia to reach a “sustainable political settlement”
Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), one of the member parties of SAP, had a history of protracted armed struggle with the aim to secede what is now the Somali region of Ethiopia from the rest of Ethiopia. It entered the country in 2018 (from Eritrea) to resort to a peaceful struggle following Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegne’s resignation, from whom Abiy Ahmed took. Power through what appeared to be an arrangement within the then Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), now defunct. SAP coalition is established with the aim to pursue “Self-Determination” for the region.
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How many ONLF’s are out there? ‘Self determination’? My foot! That is secession in disguise. But isn’t there another after the election interview given by similar group that said the election was open, fair and peaceful in the region? This one is just trying to be noticed.
It is very disappointing to hear complaints from the leaders of political parties in the Somali Region, the third most populous region of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
We have seen opposition parties participate in Ethiopian politics with relative freedom, despite some restrictions and grievances. Examples include EPRP leaders Haymanot and the young charismatic lady, Mistereselassie and Merera Gudina of Oromo Federal Congress, as well as OLF leaders Frew/ Daud Ibsa and Kejela Mardassa and others who have been able to express their views and engage in the political process.
It would be beneficial for all Ethiopians to compete through ideas, dialogue, and democratic participation rather than through armed conflict. Violence only destroys precious lives and hinders the country’s progress. The recurring loss of innocent citizens due to conflict is heartbreaking.
May God have mercy on our nation and guide all parties toward peace, understanding, and constructive cooperation,Pastor Degone Moretew