STOCKHOLM – Sweden is sending additional election observers to Ethiopia. During the election of 15 May Sweden contributed six election observers to the joint EU election observation mission.

In response to a request by the EU Commission, Sweden is now sending an additional four Swedish election officials to Ethiopia to observe the process concerning appeals against the election results in certain election districts and the new round of elections expected to take place in August.

“The Government has followed developments in Ethiopia following the general election on 15 May with deep concern. The violence, the deaths and the large number of arrests in the wake of the demonstrations protesting the way the government handled the aftermath of the election deeply regrettable,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Laila Freivalds states.

“It is therefore of the utmost importance that follow-up of the election in Ethiopia is carried out in good democratic order, showing respect for human rights. By sending additional Swedish election observers, we wish to contribute to this important process at what is a sensitive point in time for Ethiopia,” Ms Freivalds continues.