It's suspected that EPRDF is doing the boming
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25 arrested in bombings that killed 5
Associated Press Jul. 27, 2005 07:45 AM
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - Police arrested 25 people in connection with a series of bombings that killed five and injured 31 in an apparent attempt to disrupt elections in an eastern province, state media reported Wednesday.
They were detained after six separate bombings across the country's ethnic Somali province late Sunday.
The bombs targeted government officials' private residences, a bar and a hotel. State Police Commissioner Ahmed Ali said the search for other suspects was continuing.
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Federal police were not immediately available for comment or details.
Ali Mohamed Kunaye, speaker of the Somali regional parliament said a 5-year-old girl was among those killed in the wave of violence, which took place before a voter registration drive. Kunaye's home was also attacked but nobody was hurt.
Repeat elections for 23 seats in Ethiopia's 547-seat parliament are scheduled for August in the Somali region.
On July 8, National Electoral Board officials released results for a majority of seats showing the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front party and its allies in a virtual tie with opposition parties.
Results for the remaining seats have been delayed as officials check claims of fraud and order revotes.
Police killed at least 36 demonstrators protesting alleged fraud during a round of parliamentary voting in May, drawing criticism from the United States and European Union.
The elections were seen as a key test of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's commitment to greater democratic reform in the country he has ruled for 14 years.
