U.S. Ambassador Visits Voter Registration Centers

February 2, 2005
No. 07/05

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – On Wednesday, February 2, U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Aurelia E. Brazeal visited two voter-registration centers in Addis Ababa, where she observed the process by which Ethiopian citizens across the country are registering to participate in parliamentary elections scheduled for May 15, 2005.  Joining the Ambassador were Chairman of the National Election Board, Chief Justice Kemal Bedri; the Election Board’s Deputy Secretary General, Ato Tesfaye Mengesha; and the Board’s Elections Expert, Ato Mekonnen Wondimu.  The voter-registration centers the Ambassador visited are located in Wereda 11, Kebeles 09 and 14 in central Addis Ababa.

Speaking at one of the centers, Ambassador Brazeal encouraged all eligible Ethiopian citizens to register, to educate themselves about the issues and candidates, and to vote.  She welcomed the Government of Ethiopia’s commitment to transparency in elections, and noted that her visit was part of the larger process through which international observers will help ensure that concerned parties around the world are convinced that democracy flourishes in Ethiopia.  She thanked the National Electoral Board for their hospitality in making the visit possible, and said that voter registration was a vital step in the democratic process.

In an article published earlier this year, Ambassador Brazeal was clear on the U.S. Government’s role in Ethiopia’s elections.  She wrote, “The United States wants to see Ethiopia prosper as a democracy.  While we endorse no candidates and participate only as neutral observers, we do feel passionate about the importance of free, fair, and accountable elections.  As Ethiopia’s elections approach, the U.S. Government is providing support to ensure that resources are available and that government and non-governmental capacity is strengthened so that they proceed lawfully and peacefully.”