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Ethiopians go to the polls

May 23, 2010   ·   7 Comments

Voting is underway in Ethiopia, in legislative elections that are set to be a stiff test of the country’s democracy.

Menes Zelawi, the current prime minister, is expected to be returned as leader, after 19 years in power.

But the opposition is already crying foul, with memories of the 2005 election that led to widespread bloodshed still fresh in the minds of many Ethiopians.

While the opposition parties are already making claims of unfairness, the public mood does not seem to be in any way as charged as it was in the disputed 2005 poll.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Simmons reports from Addis Ababa.

Source: Al Jazeera | Sunday, May 23, 2010

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Readers Comments (7)

  1. Maalin says:

    Our “good” ally is having elections down there……so read on,

    “But the opposition is already crying foul, with memories of the 2005
    election that led to widespread bloodshed still fresh in the minds of
    many Ethiopians”

    So what is the first thing that comes to one’s mind………!!!
    Clashes…..deaths, chaos, etc……..??? That is normal, someone
    would say; …….but, NO!… because this is this real picture……..

    Quote
    “While the opposition parties are already making claims of unfairness,
    the public mood does not seem to be in any way as charged as it was in
    the disputed 2005 poll.” Unquote

    I am told that, It is a normal day just like any other. Let's us focus on
    these two words, my brothers and sisters "public mood". They have
    many nationalities, different dialects, different religions, etc.. have
    their own internal conflicts, but have one thing in common the love of
    the "MOTHERLAND", AND THEIR PRIDE!!

    Why do I say this…because in 1991 when the EPDRF entered Addis
    Ababa, not one shot was fired, not one building was destroyed,
    no lives were lost; and even after every other election; life goes on.

    But what are we, WE SOMALIS doing NOW?…….. at this VERY
    MINUTE???

    Can we think, and THINK VERY HARD? AND WHY IS IT SO??
    WHY DO WE DO WHAT WE DO? That is what we should be asking
    ourselves. And the answers lies within EACH of us…….!!!

    ALLAHI SOOMAALI MUSKHDA AAH UUH SOO DEEGIHO. Proud to be
    a Somalilander,……but….????

     Reply
  2. sara says:

    Good day for ethiopia and the region, with the help of our allies somaliland , hargesa and addis will work together to prosper their both nations. Than u hargesa for everything, by the way many of u look ethioians lol

     Reply
  3. Hassan says:

    Whoever wins I know Ethiopians love their motherland and will never destroy their country instead let who ever has the power take over and run even if they dont like him. I like that Ethiopians!

    Yes Addis and Hargeisa will always work together.

    The future is Ethiopia and Somaliland and democracy.

    Who do you support Sara?

     Reply
    • Abdi3 says:

      The future……??????

       Reply
  4. Runsheeg says:

    Ethiopia is not a genuine political entity but different nationalities forced together by military power. It won’t last. Western Somalia, including reserve area, will never be part of Ethiopia and it is matter of time when it comes back to its rightful owners. Oromo will be its own country. Amhara and Tigray can have their country as they wish. Then, peace can come to the Horn.

    Somaliland is part and parcel of Somali Democratic Republic and it will remain that way. You Ethiopians who’re tirelessly working to dismantle Somalia will not succeed.

     Reply
  5. billeh says:

    You're dreaming….!!!

     Reply
  6. Ali says:

    Ethiopia good luck Somaliland is with you.

     Reply