Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s parliament (House of People’s Representatives) on Thursday approved the nomination of Birtukan Mideksa as the new head of the elections board.
Prime minister, Abiy Ahmed while nominating Mideksa, described her as one with respect for the rule of law, and possessing the ‘stamina, independence and impartiality’ needed at the electoral board.
‘‘She believes in the equality of all Ethiopians,’‘ Abiy said.
Some lawmakers reportedly questioned her independence, considering her past roles as an opposition leader and critic of the ruling coalition.
A former federal judge who was frustrated by the disregard if the law and constitutional procedures by the ruling EPRDF, Mideksa joined active politics, playing key roles in several opposition parties including Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ), Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice and Coalition for Unity and Democracy.
The office of the prime minister said Mideksa’s appointment is aimed at helping Abiy ‘realise his promise of electoral reforms and strengthening the elections board ahead of the 2020’ elections.
READ MORE: Ethiopia PM says ruling party keen to get people’s mandate in 2020 poll
Go to video
Togo protest crackdown raises fears of worsening political crisis
Go to video
Tunisia sentences prominent opposition leader to 14 years in prison
01:01
Chad’s former Prime Minister appeals to Macron after two months in detention
01:13
China and Ethiopia reaffirm alliance at meeting on sidelies of BRICS summit
00:52
Nigeria’s Peter Obi to contest 2027 election, opposition coalition in jeopardy
01:00
Detained Chadian opposition leader Succes Masra begins hunger strike