voters casting ballots in Adwa, Tigrai, where the only candidate in the Stalin-era region was Prime Minister Meles Zenawi himself (Photo: Andrew Heavens)

After 14 years of political shenanigans the so-called democracy in Ethiopia has failed to pass the first real test.
The dictatorial and tyrannical regime of Melas Zenawi, since seizing power in 1991, has continually claimed to have built a nation governed by the principles of true democracy, even going so far as to write a constitution. Today, their supposed foundation of democracy was tested and proven to be a mockery of the Ethiopian people.

For the first time ever, the opposition party remained strong and well-organized. This challenge to the government of Meles, who in the past became accustomed to easy victory, was a larger threat than expected. When faced with an anti-Meles rally a week before the election, the government responded with threats and strong arming. The resulting election was filled with irregularities; not only were opposition members prevented from being present at polling stations but there have now been reports of arrests and murders of opposition members by Meles’ killing squad. The leaders of the opposition parties have confirmed, despite sweeping victories in major cities like Addis Ababa, Bahr Dar, Awassa etc, the larger part of the country was subjected to widespread arrests, intimidations and gross elections riggings. If the Ethiopian people had the opportunity of a free and fair election, Meles and his cohorts would have lost without a shadow of doubt as they did in the cities.

The question facing the Ethiopian people now is are they going to stand up and demand a re-election or are they going to lie down and allow the 14 year tyranny continue? The choice is clear. Ethiopia can not withstand another 4 years of dictatorial abuse by this government so it is up to the opposition political leaders and the Ethiopian people to force another election. For the past decade and a half Ethiopians have tried peaceful rallies, discussions and attempted compromise and their efforts have gone unnoticed and failed. The time has come for Ethiopians to unite and take action. It is time to take their destiny into their own hands, and the only way to do this is to force Meles and his thugs out.

The choice is clear. It is time for a united Ethiopian front, and it is the only option in order to save the nation from further destruction.