Political parties have approved a draft procedure prepared by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) to conduct and regulate the upcoming negotiations and discussions between the incumbent, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), and the oppositionThe Reporter has learnt.
The parties approved the draft procedure in a discussion conducted last week Wednesday and Thursday at Intercontinental Hotel whereChairwoman of the Board, leaders and representatives of various parties attending the discussion.
The discussion encompassed different issues, and participants debated over the matters such as how to assign the mediator, whether the discussion and the negotiation should be open for the media or not, and on how to pass decisions over the raised issues.
Regarding the assignment of the mediator, the parties have reached an agreement by which the parties will identify the individuals which they think are qualified and independent and present them to the board. Pertaining to whether the discussion should be open to the media or not, the parties failed to arrive atone governing procedure and agreed that this should be decided according to the nature of the agendas and let the parties decide on each single event and media coverage.
Back in December, it is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) had met and discussed with members and leaders of opposition political parties who have returned home and those who are conducting their political activities in the country following the discussions.Furthermore, it can be recalled that the PM stressed that the parties submit all their questions to the Board, chaired by the newly appointed BirtukanMideksa. Hence, apart from accommodating the concerns of the parties, it is also expected to prepare a procedure that will govern the discussion onwards. All participants agreed to this initiative and agreed to submit their questions to the Board and meet for further discussions, shortly.
