Monday 4^th April 2005

Code of Ethics receives unanimous support

The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has announced that the Code of Ethics drawn up to ensure the freedom and fairness of the forthcoming national elections has been unanimously accepted by all contesting political parties.

Composed of eight Articles, the Code of Ethics was drawn up by the NEB after discussions with foreign experts. It enshrines the right of candidates to their freedom with exemption from injurious consequences, their right to mass media access and details the rules and regulations that candidates must adhere to throughout the electoral process.

The Code was unanimously accepted on 29^th March by the Joint Forum, which is composed by representatives from the EPRDF and all contesting political parties, after a series of detailed discussions were held and amendments put forward, and is to be ratified soon.

ENDS