Seattle UDJ supporters

Ethiomedia | May 22, 2009

SEATTLE – A panel discussion was held on May 17 among UDJ-Andenet supporters here in Seattle. The topic was centered around whether it is wise to take part in the 2010 elections. UDJ Seattle boasts members from various trades, including young professionals working for Microsoft, Redmond, in the suburbs of Seattle.

Shakespear Feyissa, a lawyer and human rights activist, addresses the audience why it is worthless to take part in the forthcoming elections unless the environment controlled entirely by the ruling party is changed, and a level playing field put in place.

The panel discussion was very much heated up at times the keen attention of the audience was to the point of deafening silence.

A brilliant moderator, Solomon (left) also injected rich insights into the discussion, which made the debate more lively. Seated with Solomon is Muluneh Yohannes, Seattle UDJ Support Group Chair. As a panelist, Muluneh favored joining the forthcoming elections in 2010. He says the Ethiopian people are tired of the EPRDF misrule, and if they are given the chances to vote, there is no doubt they will vote out the ruling party.

(From L-R) Kassahun Mekuria, Yohannes Zewge, Amare Alefe Bishaw, Ashenafi Abune and Yohannes Tadesse also raised brilliant points that went 50-50 for and against taking part in the 2010 elections.

Ethiomedia editor Abraha Belai, foreground right, ruled out any fair outcome from an election in a country where there is no independent judiciary, no independent media & no independent electoral commission. He said the situation under apartheid South Africa was far better than the current situation in Ethiopia. Even though there were very powerful anti-apartheid trade unions, the struggle of South Africans was focused on dismantling apartheid, which we should emulate for Ethiopia, where there is no rule of law but the reign of fear and terror.

Selamawit Getaneh was also an exception to the rule. Member of the executive committee of UDJ Seattle Support, Selamawit said UDJ should take part in the elections as change comes by taking part, and not by boycotting. (All pictures: Ethiomedia.com)