HEADLINE: ETHIOPIA: OPPOSITION CANDIDATES WITHDRAW FROM ELECTION IN SOMALI REGION
Jijiga, 12 August: Some 18 candidates of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), Coalition of Somali Democratic Forces (CSDF), Western Somali Democratic Party (WSDP) and private individuals have reportedly withdrawn from the upcoming election in the Somali State [Southeastern Ethiopia].
Somali State election coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, told WIC [Walta Information Centre] that CUD's candidate, Farah Demeeye, has officially declared that he will not represent the party in the election and has returned his candidature ID card.
Similarly, two candidates of WSDP contesting for seats in the State's Council, one candidate of CSDF, and four private candidates have withdrawn from the election yesterday, he said.
Seven candidates of WSDP running for seats in the State's Council in Moyale constituency, a private candidate as well as one private in the Mayu Mulukel constituency have also withdrawn, the coordinator disclosed.
According to Ibrahim, all the candidates who withdrew from the process have submitted written statements and testified in front of employees of the board and observers.
None of them have cited harassment or pressure for their withdrawal, he concluded.
Ibrahim,
This shows how your people sold their souls to the people who have gunned down innocent civilians. What a shame!! Instead of standing against tyranny in the name of God—your people are supporting the evil regime. What a shame!! If I were you I would be embarrassed. No wonder, why Africa is the poorest and the most corrupted continent in the world.
