The Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC) is alerting elected officials and associates that the upcoming May 23rd elections are being rigged by the TPLF/EPRDF though rigorous control of the media, elections boards and the country’s security apparatus. The voting process should be is a form of free speech, but the EAC has compiled reports showing the Ethiopian election environment is already strained by shenanigans, widespread fears and undue pressure on voters by unfair and illegal vote canvassing. Ill-treatments, harassment, killings and imprisonment of opposition candidates, party members and their supporters are widespread.
Creditable reports already document the myriad ways in which the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) has systematically punished opposition supporters. Since the 2005 polls, the party has used its near-total control of local and district administrations to undermine opponents’ livelihoods through withholding services such as agricultural inputs, micro-credit, and job opportunities. In Ethiopia’s intimidating environment people graduating schools are forced to be TPLF/EPRDF members in order to gain employment opportunities. Reports also document how recently enacted laws severely restrict the activities of civil society and the media.
As far as international attention, we can’t be any later than we already are on this matter. The indigenous and independent media are already being dismantled. The government of Meles Zenawi Ethiopia has admitted to jamming the Voice of America’s (VOA) broadcasts in Amharic. Meles Zenawi accuses the radio station of engaging in “destabilizing propaganda”. In Ethiopian Americans appearance on the VOA’s Amharic station, Ethiopian Americans leveled strong protests to the draconian measures the government has been involved in. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi says Ethiopia had been only “testing” jamming equipment. However, the Amharic Service has experienced severe interference since late February. Websites outside of Ethiopia that regularly report on internal atrocities have been jammed also.
EAC joins independent journalists in challenging Ethiopia’s “media code of conduct” governing the behavior of journalists covering the May elections. The “code” places restrictions on reporters covering the pre-election campaign activities, the voting, and the results; and outlaws distributing news report that might “foment political instability”; and bans reporters from making predictions about the outcome. Even for minor violations, journalists could be stripped of their government-issued licenses to report. Serious violations could result in criminal penalties, including fines and jail terms. Ethiopian media groups have objected to the proposed code.
Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA) in exile, said, “ Editors of weeklies: Awramba Times, Harambe, Enku and Addis Neger suffering under frequent harassments under the new punitive press Law, which has become the tool of silencing any criticisms against the ruling party. And several papers are compelled to close down due to persistent harassments”
EAC aligns with Human Rights Watch’s accusations that Ethiopia’s government is already engaged in “coordinated and sustained attacks” against political opponents, journalists and activists. We want to engage and focus international attention on the “iron fist” methods currently being used by the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front to undermine the public’s ability to speak out. Human Rights Watch Africa Director Georgette Gagnon said the government is creating a climate of fear and oppression in the run up to May elections. Gagnon said: “Ethiopians, millions of them, are unable to speak freely, organize political activities, nor challenge government’s policies, either through peaceful protest, voting or publicizing their views without fear of reprisal”. Ethiopia’s leaders are able to quell almost any sign of dissent through a combination of legislation, intimidation and harassment. Through a “root and branch structure of surveillance”, that extends from Addis Ababa to almost every rural household, Human Rights Watch says the party can constantly monitor individuals and exert its influence over millions of Ethiopians. Gagnon said the EPRDF’s aim is to turn Ethiopia into a one party state by arresting political opponents and withholding basic farming, micro-credits and job opportunities from any that are not party members.
It’s time for people of good will to stand and vigorously argue for the people of Ethiopia. With foreign assistance accounting for one third of all Ethiopia’s government’s expenditures, we call on major donors: the World Bank, United States, Britain and the European Union to take a harder line toward the dictatorial government’s rights violations – now, and after the voting. We ask all Ethiopian Americans to join EAC in demanding that the US Congress, the Obama administration, particularly Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, do more to bring fair and free elections in our homeland. Unless free and fair processes are employed in Ethiopia, now and into the future, we want that Ethiopian government officials be banned from traveling to the US and the Obama administration stop funding the Ethiopia government immediately.
The Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC)
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Ethiopian Americans Council (EAC)
10125 Colesville Rd, Ste 207 Silver Spring, MD 20901, P.O. Box 28597 San Jose, CA 95159
e-mail: [email protected]
www.eacouncil.org
