NEBE says impossible to hold election as per scheduled due to COVID-19

Addis Ababa, March 31, 2020 (FBC) –The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said plans to hold general election in it can’t hold the upcoming general elections as per scheduled due to COVID19 outbreak.

In a statement sent to FBC today, the board announced the cancellation of the time table issued previously.

It also temporarily ceased activities related to the election. August 29, 2020 was the date set to hold the election.

The board said the decision was made after assessing the situations in the country and having consultations with the Ministry of Health, partners and political parties.

The outbreak of the virus in the country over the past two weeks affected the plans and works that should be done in connection with the election, the statement indicated.

Following a consultation held with political parties, most of them took into account the magnitude of the problem and its impact on the election, it added.

After the discussion, the parties recommended the board to come up with another option by discussing with relevant government bodies, it said.