HELP!!!
The next 5 years are gonna be fun, any chance of all the towns and cities where CUD and UHDP (especially those with "Kilil" status) can claim independence and freedom from the rest of Ethiopia? A nice little free city state in a sea of EPRDF terror... Looks just as bleak.

Hi Andrew,

The international observers, We the Ethiopian people and also EPRDF knows that the maximum vote they could have get from this election is 100. But they have the gun and the control and the pupet NEB. The Ethiopian people knows who won the election and will not deter from their struggle until tyrants like Meles and co are removed from power.

Am pro opposition but I think CUD and UEDF should accept the election and take their issues in the parilament. They have got 174 or so seats. That is way larger than the 14 they hold last season. If they dont accept the election, the only chance is civil war because meles will not give in. Just hope the next election will be much more free and transparent.

As a devout ethiopian, i am starting to feel like a palestine. Like people who are conquered. Really the people of ethiopia is not under tyranny but we are conquered. Shame on the West, shame on the African Union, shame on the EU, shame on The US. I think Iran should produce nuclear bombs, i think North korea also, also palestine, also every body. Who cares? The world is a mess full of powerful bunch of greedy people speaking fictitously and loudly! The hell with them and the hell with their stinky principles and the hell with their smelling international politics! Did they speak about democracy? Ohhh..shit!
Freedom for the people of Palestine!
Freedom for the people of Ethiopia!

Mr. Heavens, I love your page. You posted the election results even before they were posted on the NEBE website. I commend you for providng such an invaluable service with all the upto date information and magnificient pictures. I really enjoy reading your page on a daily basis. In terms of the election outcome, I am hoping for a peaceful and lasting resolution for the current conundrum being played out on both sides.

I don't know if you'll read this Andrew, but I think it's a perspective that I think you, as a foreign journalist in Ethiopia, ought to listen to.

Before the election, I expected that if the opposition got 30% of the seats, it would have been a good start on the road to democracy. We have that situation or better now.

However, I also expected the EPRDF to gracefully accept their victory.

Instead, the EPRDF has taken a giant step backwards into the realm of totalitarianism with actions such as the labelling of the opposition as interhamwe, the move of Oromia HQ to Addis, removal of powers from Addis city government, the weakening of parliament, taking away seats from the opposition in the investigation process, and so on. This has been the most disappointing part of the whole process and a sign that the EPRDF is still far, far behind the times.

These are difficult times for the pragmatic moderate. The EPRDF, it seems, is intent on egging on the hardliners who believe that the EPRDF will submit to democracy only by force.

The international community, which, by virtue of its vast monetary support for this government, is partially morally responsible and accountable for the EPRDF's actions. It should have at least ensured that the EPRDF wins gracefully and does not stunt the slow move towards democracy.

The least that can be expected from the international community now is a declaration that the elections were significant irregularities in the election process. Anything else would be tantamount to giving the EPRDF carte blanche to rule as it wishes, sort of like giving unlimited supplies of candy to a child.

Finally, I would like to point out that the main policy aim of the international community in Ethiopia, namely stability, cannot be realized without significant moves towards democracy. Most of us are pragmatic enough to realize that for stability's sake, the EPRDF must win this election regardless of the true results. However, we must also realize that for stability's sake, the EPRDF must not regress, and that any such regression increases hardline opposition which in turn is bad for stability.

CUD and UEDF have two choices

1. Accept the election results and join the parliament

2. Boycot the parliament and opt for riot/armed struggle

They have to choose one or the other. They can't have it both ways. The international community is advising them to accept option one. But I think some of the leaders are crazy enough to choose option 2. If that is the case the government has every right to respond in a firm manner.

Hi Samuel,

We are tired of the bulshit you and your camps are saying again and again. What you have mentioned is what we are hearing evry day from the famous ETV. By the way, the Iraq Court sentenced Sadam Husein 10 years in prison and 6 moth of watching Ethiopian Television. He agreed on the first ruling but appeal the second one.

There is no way the Ethiopian people accept this election, sorry I mean the day light robery.

Cheers

When the West told us Ethiopians to go to the ballots, I thought they were talking about paper ballots, not about the number of guns the candidates have. In another Orwellian twist, the Americans and the Europeans counted the guns and declared the Winner. A sublime charade!!

When the West told us Ethiopians to go to the ballots, I thought they were talking about paper ballots, not about the number of guns the candidates have. In another Orwellian twist, the Americans and the Europeans counted the guns and declared the Winner. A sublime charade!!

To the individual who posted the last 3 comments

Get a life bro! Comparing Ethiopia under H.E. Prime Minister Ethiopia with Iraq of Sadam Hussien says a lot about your mental health. It is impossible to talk sense to you since you are irrational and loco. Your pus filled brain is incapable of comprehending the democratic changes underway in Ethiopia thanks to the indefatigable work of EPRDF and PM Meles Zenawi. All you do is whine. So Pathetic.

WE are fed up about these non ending complaint of opposition, either they have to abide by the ruling and go to the Parliament to wage legitmate Political struglle or get an arms shipment from Eritrea and Egypt and start an armed struglle,from the mountains of Gonder, like the OLF did. Other wise , it is so childish play for them to keep the country in a suspence for long. Besides they don't have any shred of evidence for their complaint ,and not shred of support from the international community. They tried to full everyone but it didn't worked, so about time to close the chapter. AND MAKE A DICISSION.

Congratulations to PM Meles Zenawi. I am sure this is a good start for EPRDF, it will make them competetnt for next election. I have no dout they will win it gain next 5 year. Bravoooo

Job well done EPRDF, thank you for the justice(death sentence of derg officials) even though late, my mother was one of the wittness on the stand against this criminals. All the blood that was shade is being repaid. I am indebted to you.

Mr. Heaven, please clean up the comments section or shut it down- the last 4 comments are revolting. Probably posted by NEB and other govt officials themselves, never do any useful work anyway.

CUD you can fool some people sometimes but you can't fool all the people all the time.

You could not deceive the international community.

Why would Andrew delete comments!?! If you want a one sided forum visit Ethiopian Review.

Isn't democracy about differences of opinion.

I don't mind if the blog continue entertaining all to voice their concern. That is the whole idea of a blog.

Just to say few points for the one who congratulated Meles. For us Meles and Mengistu are all the same. Mengistu Killed in hundred thousands but Meles killed in thousands. From the rate of his killing he will level mengistu soon.

Cheers

Toi the individual who made a reference to Ethiopian Review

You can't compare Andrew's blog with Elias Kifle's Ethiopian Review. Ethiopian Review is a joke man. The moderator allows only those comments that are in tune with his political agenda. Andrew on the other hand lets different opinions in his blog. The only catch is you refrain from hate/racist comments. Genuine Ethiopians have no problem with that. Only Shabia supporters find it inconvinient because it is they who indulge on ethnic slurs to divide Ethiopians.

To the individual who compared Meles with Cannibal Mengistu:

Are you on crack?

Samuel,

I am sure you are the one who is on crack. Ethiopians are divided not because of sahbia but b/s meles and co's ethnic policies. You, Meles and Woyane were Shabia's pets until recently. Thanks to Ethio-Eritrea war, the love affair came to an end.

For Ethiopians, woyane and shabia are all the same. They came to destabilize Ethiopia.

All knew it!

The Ethiopian people knew for 100% that their vote has been stolen. The foreign observers had witnessed that the vote is rigged. Remember Anna Gomez’s report that read, “… the National Election Board has lost control of the counting of the vote”! The opposition new their sits have been stolen in a day light robbery. Also, the EPDRF knew absolutely that it has never gained so much sits. It has stolen the votes of the poor and seems scared. EPRDF is repeatedly saying “accept the remaining sit or go to war!” Why war? Where there are tens of peaceful alternatives to get the stolen votes back.

Why is EPRDF scared of the peaceful “Rose Revolution?” Because the robbed poor seems silent now. Disobedience in silence added more fever to the headache of EPRDF.

Thieves are always scared and do not trust anyone!

The GOD of the poor may reveal the truth!

To Andrew

In my humble opinion ,i think it is about time to shut all the Comments, since you can't entertain comments of different opinion any more. I am sure time is very constraint to you to screen all the Racial slurs and Personal attacks, however you are deletting a lot of constructive comments aswell ,and by these you are doing diservice to open Political discussion.

Don't get me wrong,i am a big fan of your blog but i enjoy more when you stick to issues of non Poilitical nature. I hope you don't delete this comment ass well.

AU Official: Ethiopian Vote Free And Fair, Opposition Complaints Exaggerated
By Joe De Capua
Washington
12 August 2005

De Capua interview with AU official mp3
De Capua interview with AU official ra
Listen to De Capua interview with AU official ra

A top official in the African Union has praised Ethiopia following the release of the final results of the May legislative elections. Patrick Mazimhaka, deputy chairman of the African Union Commission, calls the elections free and fair. He also comments on situation in Sudan, saying a big step toward peace was taken when a replacement for the late vice-president John Garang was quickly sworn in.

From Addis Ababa, Ambassador Mazimhaka spoke to English to Africa reporter Joe De Capua first about the aftermath of the Ethiopian elections.

He says, “Well, the African Union can only congratulate the Ethiopians for having gone through this painful exercise. I think the delays were not anybody’s fault, except that the opposition kept demanding to clarify things, to investigate things and the government and the electoral board were patient, so were the supporters. Now that the final results are in we are expecting that the issue’s over and next step is to form a government in Ethiopia come September.”

Ambassador Mazimhaka was asked if the political opposition had cause to challenge the results and make charges of irregularities. He says, “It’s always difficult to say. But I think it turned out, as investigations were carried out and our observers were there, that really the claims they had were grossly exaggerated. And the final results show indeed that they were exaggerated.”

Overall, how did Ethiopia handle the aftermath of the elections, which included violence? “I think the country handled itself very well, both the government and the people. There was indeed a scary moment…when the opposition tried to resort to violence and the government had to come in and stop that, unfortunately with the loss of some individuals. But following that, calm returned to the capital.”

Asked whether his comments mean he blames the opposition for elections problems and violence, Ambassador Mazimhaka replies, “It’s not really blaming the opposition facts…the riots that led to the deaths of people were indeed organized by the opposition – there’s no doubt about that.” He says that request to review about a hundred plus constituencies did result in delays, but he says “in the long run the elections were free and fair.”

As for the situation in Sudan following the sudden dearth of John Garang, he says, “I think the key question really was whether the SPLM would be able to replace John Garang immediately to continue where he left off. And I think they have done that. That’s a very important first step. And I see that the government of Sudan also welcomed the appointment of Salva Kiir Mayardit, which means they are prepared to work with the new leadership.”

He says now that the north/south peace deal is in place, he hopes the Khartoum government will take a “more bold move” toward peace in the Darfur region.

I just read this on ethiomedia. “The opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) has said it would challenge the results from the May 15 poll in the courts” Can any one tell me why this people (CUD) wasting time? Ethiopia is fade up no more deal with a murderer why can’t they just follow their partner like UEDF and walk out. Court?????? What in the name is going on. If CUD can’t fight, it is time to pass for other Heros like Lidetu

You quote Ethiomedia as if it is a credible source of info. I wouldn't trust any news from that gutter website. I will waite until I hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

opposition leader are on each other just in few days since eprdf is proclaimed winner. i cna't wait to see all the drama of the opposition in the five years to come. It would be a great idea for a reality show, some one can bank on it. Well at least the so called free press will.

""It would be worthy of you bunches who have suffered grave defeat either to speak arrogantly or to give way to despair. Your position is absolutely hopless. All that remains for you is to choose between peaceful silent death or “heroic” death in a hopeless riot. By rejecting the results you have betrayed nothing and nobody. You could do nothing as you are alone exposed in front of the international community"".

I am very ashamed of the opposition. They are just as opportunistic and power hungry as the current regime. They have no intention of standing for the people. I wonder if anybody will stand up for the cause of the people. I wasnt brought up to be a cynic but from what I see in the country all are the same, just change of their ethnicity Very sad.

I have been quite intersted in the newly surfaced truth about the track record of Engi. Hailu Shawel, It is reported that he worked for Derg for 9 years and out of which 5 years were at a ministerial level. This individual was willing to put up with derg for such a long time just for the sake of his interest when the whole country was being brutally ruled. I wonder why anyone would want to support and ascend him to lead this country. We have so many selfless, God fearing, honest individuals who can lead us, why do we settle and admire someone who is not worthy. This is a gentleman who gave deaf ears and blind eyes when many of our brothers and sister were being tourchered or fleeing persecution. I am not claiming that he was involved in the actual tourchers or killings but i am questioning his character, how can he tell me that he cares for this for saken country, or has he become a born again patriot. Because we are so much blinded by the hate of EPRDF that we are willing to shove this facts under the carpet. We need to reevaluate our ways.

You can read the whole story at www.aigaforum.com/hailushawilrecord.htm
God bless.

As if serving a murderous dictator wasn't enough, Hailu Shawel lied to BBC's Stephen Sackur when he asked him how many years he served Mengistu Hailemriam. Can this guy be trusted to tell the truth about the election or anything else at this point? Guad Hailu's past deeds and his current character are exposed for every one to see.

Just a quick question. In addition to the announced number of seats won by EPRDF, does the ruling party also get to appoint 30 or so people to the parliament, thus increasing their numbers? If so, can Meles appoint people who lost seats in parliament, like the Education Minister, etc.

Thanks for the info.

About Hailu's record in the Dergue... For those who actually care to know think about it more than superficially, consider:

1. The EPRDF has as members plenty of ex-members of Dergue, including the President, chief constitutional advisor, Ambassador to the U.S.A, and so on.
2. The EPRDF has not, for fourteen years, seen fit to prosecute Hailu, so either they're idiots or he's done nothing wrong.
3. Meles Zenawi, as leader of the TPLF, has personally has been responsible for murder of several people and the death of thousands. Perhaps it just comes with his job description, fine, but Hailu is not responsible for anyone's death.

Clearly this is just part of a propaganda campaign devoid of truth. But we know it won't sell in Ethiopia, don't we?!! It just makes the EPRDF more and more hated, and I think we all know how hated they are now in Ethiopia. I just hope the EPRDF's casual supporters and cadres realize that they are really doing the EPRDF a great disservice in the long term by increasing the level of hate through such rhetoric.

The issue is not just Hailu Shawel's dergue membership. It is also lying about it that makes the issue important to discuss. He told BBC's Stephen Sackur he only served 2 years in Mengistu Hailemariam's murderous regime, but we now know he served 9 years. He also told Mr. Sackur he served only in a technical capacity and that he resigned in protest of the regime's human rights record. The fact is he had a ministerial position and resigned for medical reasons. What it shows is Hailu Shawel has huge credibilty problem. And it is not something he can wish it away as a woyane propaganda. Woyane did not make him lie to a distinguished BBC reporter.

Has anyone read Sundays issue of the Reporter? Apparently the CUD had a meeting at ibex hotel involving non-members and NGOs to discus on what the next step should be for the opposition. 90% said get in the parliament and fight from with in.

There was also a CUD party members meeting in which the majority voted for the party to join parliament and go to court. It was only the wish of the top officials to not join (i believe Hailu Shawal and may be Lidetu the two mentally handicapped men from the whole party)

moreover hailu shewal in an effort to convince the meeting participants was heard saying that the 40 people who died are members of the CUD. if any of you remember he had once said that CUD had nothing to do with the riot.

This is a reply to Samuel and those who mention the name of Hailu Shawel and portraying him as a derg official. Why do go that much far when we have Melez Zenawi who has got a track record killing innocent civilians. What about the recent more than 36 people killed by Meles direct order.

Don't try to shy away from the reality when we have a devil like Meles who still continue torturing the Ethiopian people. I know you guys are blind by ethnic hatred, and ego. The day will come when you and your likes will face the Ethiopian people.

At least Mengistu killed, and tortured any one who opossed his policies. In your and Meles case you kill and torture based on Ethnic lines.

For reviews and views on the current political issues in Ethiopia, you can pay a vist to ethiop discussion forum. The URL link is:

http://ethiop.forumsplace.com/

Don't forget to bookmark the site.

In order to resolve the outcome of the election why not re run the election the same way they did in Ukraine? Does democracy have different color and shape for developed and underdeveloped countries? Or is it different for different color of people? I am disappointed with the world leaders by not putting a lot of pressure on Meles to re run the election by a new group of election officials with the help of international observers. Meles is an evil genus that knows how to influence the world leaders and it is working for him. To work towards peace the world leaders need to know what the majority of Ethiopian people want. Why is it always after the problem started that the world leaders come around and tries to solve problem instead of before it starts?

I don’t understand the role of AU, EU and UN when it comes to Africa. We all know Africa is the most corrupted continent in the world and yet no one is doing a thing about.
People are dying of hunger, diseases and over all poverty while the leaders of Africa are becoming multi milliners. It is a disgrace.

I wonder if you will keep your comments section open this time for the fascists who are regurgitating ETV's campaign of denigrating the opposition leaders after you shut down commentators opposed to the EPRDF when they were bringing timely comments about the theft of the election. Is this also part of the orchestration (albeit tiny) as the YARA prize to keep unelected people in power in Africa?