EMF Special report (By Hanna Sisay Kidani) – Medrek, the largest opposition coalition, has decided to participate in the upcoming elections, according to sources. The opposition coalition will leave the process only if it is forced out by the ruling TPLF regime.
The following report is extracted from the detail report made by Medrek. We have left some essential information for the safety of the party.
Visits in Amhara and Afar region:
The executive committee visited branch offices in Gondar, Bahirdar, Debremarqos, Dejen, Debrebirhan, Shoa Robit, Ataye and Hosaina in January to reorganize them. The Gondar situation did not improve. Thus Ato Andualem and Ato Asrat had to visit Gondar at the beginning of the second week of Yekatit. Things have changed in the positive since. The situation in Debrebrihan has not improved and we have to work intensively on Debrebirhan.
Three members of the executive committee; Dr. Hailu Araya, Ato Asrat Tase, Dr. Negaso and Athlete Tesema member of the national council of UDJ and coordinator of eastern Ketena were in Awash Fantale, Afar Region to meet with the executive committee and candidates of UDJ,s Branch in Afar last Tuesday. A popular and strong clan leader was present on the meeting. It was a very good and successful meeting. The cadres, administrators, security agents and the police of the ruling party were around and in the hotel where the meeting took place some even intruded our meeting to hear what we were talking about. We have strong members and supporters in five Woredas in Afar
It has to be noted that many members from other parties i.e. from AEUP have joined the UDJ since the signing of the code conduct. On the other hand, it has to be admitted that very few of our members have been disappointed because they were not allowed to be candidates for the election.
EPRDF’s campaign against Medrek:
The EPRDF has already declared the Medrek as enemy and as member of the Front of Destructive Forces led by Shabia. EPRDF has been campaigning against Medrek through the public media and on meetings and using all kinds of tricks to discredit Medrek in the eyes of the public. But Medrek/UDJ will not be provoked. It will stay in the process to the end peacefully and respecting the laws of the country.
Medrek Candidates:
The result of the negotiation is roughly as follows.
Medrek will have about 485 candidates in 547 constituencies. 231 candidates are from UDJ. UDJ will compete in Amhara=110, South=70, Oromia=25, Afar=5, Gambella=2, Asosa=2, Harar=1, addis Ababa=15, Tigray=1. OPC has 120 candidates while OFDM has 30. South coalition and ESDP #Beyene# together have 55 candidates. Arana Tigray has 30 while EDUM has 20. These are all for seats in the Federal House of Peoples representatives. Medrek as a whole is forwarding about 1,745 candidates to compete for seats in the regional parliaments. UDJ/medrek is not forwarding candidates in Somali Region now as the election in this region will not take place in may. Regional elections in Addis Ababa and Diredawa will take place after two years. Registration of candidates was over on Monday.
The difficulties which Medrek/UDJ faced from the election administration and the ruling party during registration will be compiled and made public.
Election Campaign:
Medrek/UDJ has started election campaign. It has participated on media debate and will continue to do so using any opportunity to introduce itself to the public.
Media advertisement has also started. Last Saturday we drove through out Addis Ababa in two teams from 3pm to 7pm calling on the people to register as voters on Sunday and Monday. We introduced the symbol of Medrek, ye selaamtaa ijj, and also asked the public to demand for the release of Birtukan. We had big pictures of Birtukan on the cars. I was among the team which travelled from Bambis to Arat Kilo, Fransay, Sidist Kilo, Giorgis, Semen Mazagajja, Giorgis, Abuna Petros, Markato, Xor Hailoch, 3 Mazoria, Bisrate Gabriel, Mekanisa, Mexico and Stadium. It was real good and almost a wonder. The people tramped on each other trying to get the leaflets which we threw to them in thousands. They came to our car to shake and kiss our hands and waving our election symbol and sending love kisses from a far.
Public Meeting:
A public meeting to introduce Medrek and its candidates in Addis took place last Sunday in the Hall of Dil Ber School in Semen Mazagaja. About 500 people participated on the meeting. The discussion was good. Only one person tried to disturb the meeting but he was whistled out from the hall. He showed the symbol of AEUP while getting out of the hall.
Similar public meeting will take place tomorrow in the Hall of Addis Ketema School, Markato. Such kind of meeting will be held in the 23 Woredas of Addis on the weekends of the next two months. The candidates will also organize similar meetings in their constituencies. Medrek is also planning to hold public meetings, rallies and demos.
Addis Ababa:
The 23 candidates in Addis Ababa have founded a council to coordinate the election activities with a command centre. Similar structures will be created at the Medrek and Qetena Levels.
General Assembly:
The general assembly of Medrek is going to take place next Sunday and UDJ has chosen seven members who will be its representatives in Medrek for the next four months.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:39 am
It is a very wise,matured and great political move . The way Medrek is handling its internal operation as well as its determination to challenge the serious obstacles being waged by the ruling party is so commendable and inspiring. Yes, politics is both an art and science to those who are truly serious about the very essence of the struggle toward the realization a free and prosperous society.
To those politicians who work hard to prosper
themselves and their cronies, politics is simply an end itself, not the means to justify the very essence of people’s interests.
It is so critical to wage a peaceful political struggle and change the very ugly political culture in our country; and the effort being made by Medrek would undoubtedly pave the way for the change the people are aspiring and struggling for .
Keep Going !!
February 28th, 2010 at 1:56 am
No problem can be solved by simply ignoring it. It is good that Mederk decided to participate in the up coming election despite all the odds and the misinformation engulfing it. If people have to make their voice heard through the ballot this time again, TPLF will come to its demise slowly but surely
February 28th, 2010 at 4:10 am
That is promising on its own. but they should really work hard to increase the confidence of the people to vote independently, to tell EPRDF members that MEDREK understands their cause - that most of them are not EPRDF members by heart and convince them to vote MEDREK for a change. the next important thing is that member parties should be strong - should not open any door to EPRDF faul play. They should use the media time effectively. Most people understands that EPRDF is not the right government for Ethiopia. What most people lack now is the confidence to do what they want - vote independently. So MEDREK should use media time to increase confidence of the people
Finally, let me say what MEDREK people should do, now adays, it is almost easy to expect what EPRDF leaders would say about something. So, Before debate on TV, MEDREK participants should prepare well and predict what EPRDF leaders would say and then attack their idea. They should talk about obvious things not abstract things. talking about liberal democracy,individual right or group right for long time wont help to get support from our rural areas. But talk about what has changed in their life since EPRDF come to power? their life is better or worse? talk about Corruption that is going on. talk about the descrimination that is going on during employement. Talk about importance of Unity - true unity. talk about freedom. ask people if they are free? if they are not why? and promise them to change all these. talk about the need of freedom and true unity for development. Siye should address tigrian people in Tigrigna atlease once on TV. He should openly tell the people all the mistakes TPLF has done with out contradicting history. how EPRDF failed to deliver its promises. How EPRDF uses race to longer its life. Before 5 years, Lidetu and Hail Shawel were core enemies and they are now partners of EPRDF. tell them that the hate among Ethiopian people promotted by EPRDF is just to steal time not facts. But dont deny that there can be people that consider certain group of people as enemy or sth. They are few in number. The majority ethiopian people want true unity, freedom and prosperity. It will be particularly good for MEDREK to talk much about true Unity to get support from majority votters. Dont talk about unity for its sake. talk about the need of unity. MEDREK representatives should prepare well before debates to be as fluent as possible also.
February 28th, 2010 at 7:08 am
Very great job Medrek. Medrek is the true party in our country, Ethiopia. Hopefully, Ethiopia will get its former name, strength and beauty with Medrek.
Medrek has shown a very tallent movemnets and for sure, the people under Medrek seems great and challenging for EPRDF.
Viva medrek Viva Birtukan. Medrek is born to continue our leader Birtukan Medeksa. Medrek can be an instrument also to get out Birtiye fron the jail.
We love you Birtukan and Medrek People
February 28th, 2010 at 8:27 am
The hailu shawul,Siye Abraha,gebru asrat….and others drama continues.
Those are the main actors they should be hunged infront of the Ethiopian people before the other artists like lidetu,merara and beyene petros…….Actually the main organizers of the drama have also be hunged in front of millions at Meskel Square.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Wow! What a wonderful termendeous job done by a medrek within this short period. May god help us to get rid of these causal agents of the Ethiopian disaster(Woyane). As I can see Medrek seems the only hope at this time and let us join and make a difference. Go go Medrek!! Personnally, I am tired of looking the same monkey face, tribal uneducted guy any more. It is enough monkey, go to your village adwa or Seraye I do not care where ever you go but no more to see your stinky ugly face any more.What is his name? Melese I hate even to say it. 20 years, it looks like Ethiopia is abondened land with out human being. What a shame not only for Ethiopia but for all africans.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:46 am
“////”
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…!!!
February 28th, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Thank you for the infromation. The figure is two times more than what the ruling party has dispatched. Weldone Medrek!
February 28th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
great job if they chose next 4 month who representatives in Medrek if they chose dr negaso gidada or siya abraha they will win the election dude u need to play game to kiki out weyanna
February 28th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
It is ridiculous and useless to take part in the sham elections of Meles Zenawi. Medrek is a sham and going to be the partner by sitting in the weyanne parliament.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
//// ahunem selemercha taweralachehu.
I SUPPORT AN ARMED STRUGGLE //// !!!!!!!
February 28th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
it is nice to see unity of all opposition parties like UDJ, OPC and other ethnic and multi-ethnic opposition parties
VIVA MEDREK
February 28th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
መድረክ በወልቃኢት ጠገዴና አካባቢው ቢወዳደር በጣም ጥሩና አስፈላጊ ነው:: እንዲያውም እንደኔ አስተያየት መድረክ በተለይም አንድነት የዛ አካባቢ ነዋሪዎች በተለይም ተወላጆች (ሰፋሪ/ወራሪ ትግሬዎችን ማለቴ አይደለም) በምርጫው እንዲሳትፉና ተወካዮችም በምርጫው እንዲወዳደሩ ማድረግ ፖለቲካዊና ዘግነታዊ ግዴታ አለባቸው:: በነገራችን ላይ ሰፋሪና ወራሪ ትግሬዎች በወልቃይት ጠገዴ የመምረጥም ሆነ የመመረጥ መብት ሊሰጣቸው አይገባም:: እነዚህ ሰዎፍ ወደየመጡበት ተመልሰው ምርጫቸውን ያኪሂዱ:: የተወሰኑ የወልቃይትን ህዝብ ማንነት: ባህል: ታሪክ: ፖለቲካዊና ሰብአዊ መብት ያከበሩ የአካባቢውን ሕዝብ መስለውና ተመሳስለው የሚኖሩ ጥቂት ትግሬዎች እንደ ሁኔታው ተመርምሮ የመምረጥ መብት ሊሰጣቸው ይችላል:: የመመረጥ መብት ግን ለማንኛው በዚህ አካባቢ ለሚኖር ትግሬ አይሰጥም::
February 28th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
pleas vote for Medrek.
I am for medrek ans support Medrek.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
By any means of our chose we should confront this tribal group.The armed struggle of GENBOT 7 is a sure way of removing woyane.We should support any one who is against woyane in any form.
March 1st, 2010 at 12:42 am
it is clear to every normal mind that the “election” weyane medias are crying about is a scripted drama in which there are leading and supporting actors.and taking part in it is increasing the age of dictatorship and brutality.so, why the hell the supporting actors support the leading actor weyane?
March 1st, 2010 at 12:43 am
this is the answer according to me a freedom lover.the first grop pf the supporting actors is the notorious adegenga bozene collection led by lidetu ayalew.this gruop runs in the election for a living.the parlama salary is pretty important for this group than everything.the election is a job market.the fakee ONC/tolosa is an active member of this group.
March 1st, 2010 at 12:44 am
the second group is the collection of notorious old folks.this group nevr runs for living because they can make enougn money with their proffeson(Dr, n Enginners).they run in the election for the seck of keeping weyane alive.they know that there are better groups in the opposition camp.so,if weyane is finished,they can’t exist as oppostions.they want to keep sucking the blood of our people in the name oppostion.if weyane is finished the know they’ll also be eliminated from the public mind just because of their inefficency.
March 1st, 2010 at 2:56 am
በጣም ጥሩ ሪፖርት ነው:: ይልመድባችሁ:: በተለይም ከኢትዮጵያ ውጭ ለምንኖረው ይህን የመሰለ ወቅታዊ ዜና መስማት ይናፍቀናልና የሚካሄደውን እንቅስቃሴ ቶሎ ቶሎ ብታሳውቁን ደስ የሚያሰኝ ነው::
መልዕክት ለመድረክ
እንደ 97ቱ ዘንድሮም ኢህአዴግ ባጠመደው ወጥመድ እንዳትገቡለት እያንዳንዱዋን እርምጃችሁን ተጠንቅቃችሁ ተራመዱዋት:: “ይህን ስናደርግ ኢህአዴግ የሚሰጠው ምላሽ ምን ሊሆን ይችላል?” ብላችሁ ሳትዘጋጁ ምንም ነገር ባትሞክሩ ይሻላል:: ‘አንድ ጊዜ ብታሞኘኝ ጥፋቱ ያንተ ነው: ሁለት ጊዜ ካሞኘኸኝ ግን ጥፋተኛው እኔ ነኝ’ ብለዋል አሉ ፈረንጆች::
March 1st, 2010 at 10:01 am
“Most AEUP members joined AEUP after the signing of Code of Conduct” is a big lie. This is fabrication and the wishful thinking of the Medrek/Ginbot7 supporters.
It is true also Medrek will stay in any kind of election not alleged by the report if it is forced not to paticipate. Medrek is waiting for AEUP to boyccott and get its supporters vote.
Medrek and its illegal wing Ginbot7 supportersare on mission of lies because time is running out of them. They are following AEUP on its tail and hoping to snatch peoples vote.AEUP is not on mission of cornation of TPLF in a fake election. AEUP supporters are not to give their vote neither for TPLF nor the warlords of Medrek .
Organized AEUP supporters who ar most of them voters of May 2005 for Kinijit are taking orders from AEUP leaderhsip to participate on a transparent election based on the Code of Conduct (CC).
If TPLF violates its CC then AEUP voters will stay home and the “election” is going to be with two monkeys, “Kezenjero Konjo Mine Yemeraretu”.
Medrek true to its name is dancing to get a seat for the next five years not to lead but preparing itself as a back up, from the coming People Tsunami that will topple the warlords and free our people, to put itself as an alternative to save its TPLF buddies from losing power and wealth.
March 1st, 2010 at 10:03 am
Please read “most AEUP supporters Joned UDJ after signing of Code of conduct”
Thanks
March 1st, 2010 at 11:06 am
Good,Good,and Good!
When seen both from proxmity and afar, victory is at hand and the democratically elected Ethiopians shall stand on the podium along Ethiopians to the long walk for equality and prosperity,for the current and future generation.
It is going to be a win-win outcome because Ethiopians are standing for Ethiopians.Zinawi’s regime is clearly on shaky ground chiefly because it has never had people’s support,to begin with.Guns and Bullets don’t vote people do.In 2005 Zinawi’s regime and everything and everybody it contained in it was crashed to a complete defeat because guns and bullets don’t vote people do.
Now is tomorrow,now is the future.We win.Yes,Ethiopians shall win.
March 1st, 2010 at 11:11 pm
I am very proud of all the hard work great men like Prof. Beyene Petros are doing. I hope they succeed in this election and bring some positive change to our suffering nation. May God protect all of them. God bless Ethiopia and her brave children.
March 2nd, 2010 at 11:05 am
The number of candidates allocated to OPC and OFDM in Medrek is only 120 candidates, only 1/4th (25%) of Medrek’s candidates.
Where as that of the UDJ is 243 candidates, which makes 47%. This shows that Medrek is nothing but, another type of EPRDF, where the vote of the Majority population - the Oromo - shall be used as a vehicle to empower the Amharas. It is so unfortunate and shameful that the OPC and ODFM are serving as new brand of Neo-Gobanas in 21st Century.
Dimorkaasiin sagalee ummata Oromoo Amaara ykn. Tigretti gurgurachuudhaan hin mirkanaayu!
Let us call a spade a spade!
March 5th, 2010 at 1:25 am
habeshas are pro weyane.death for themሃ