Political parties’ election campaigning, debate tranquil, successful: NEBE chairperson

Addis Ababa, June 20, 2021 (FBC) – In an exclusive interview with FBC, Chairperson of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, Birtukan Mideksa said the concluded election campaigning and political debate was tranquil and successful in supporting democracy building efforts in the country.

Recalling her past experiences as opposition politician in Ethiopia fifteen years ago, Birtukan said some candidates used to boycott debates and walk out in temper during arguments ahead of elections.

Saying that the media has played an important role in the political campaign process, she underlined that politicians have managed to accommodate their differences despite ideological disparities and heated arguments. “Almost all politicians manifested political politeness that served as a milestone in the democratization process”, She said.

The Chairperson said the board encountered only two complaints due to minor mishaps in two parties and resolved issues accordingly.

Birtukan appreciated efforts to hold political debates and election campaigns in several local languages. She further called up on the public to go out and cast their vote tomorrow and exercise their democratic rights accordingly.