Ted made the statement during a congressional hearing presided over by Congressman Donald Payne (D-JN), chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Pre-election conditions were marred by the harassment, detention, and in some cases killing of
opposition members. The combination of measures taken by the ruling EPRDF over the past several years
not only weakened legal opposition but also crushed civil society, human rights groups, and the
independent press activities,” Ted said.
He said opposition leaders, civil society groups and independent journalists who fled the country for fear of persecution also helped EPRDF consolidate its gains.
“Some Ethiopians and outside observers
also assert that many were fearful of being killed or injured should they express open support for the opposition as was the case in the 2005 elections.” he added.
