Joint declaration By UEDF, CUD and EPRDF on the NEBE complaints review and Investigation process 10 June 2005
1. The signatories of this declaration:-
• re-affirm their commitment to the successful and peaceful conclusion of the electoral process, in a manner that fully respects the wishes of the people, the rule of law and constitutional processes of the country
• re-assert their condemnation of all acts of violence or incitement to violence and agree to make all possible efforts to prevent such violence or incitement to violence, to exercise restraint, and seek resolution of all issues through legal and peaceful means only.
•declare their commitment to the decision-making procedures established by the Proclamation on Electoral law for deciding upon complaints of election irregularities and to abide by them.
• accept the legal authority of the National Election Board of Ethiopia and the courts in those procedures and commit to abide by the decisions they make on the basis of the authority invested in them by the laws of the country, and refrain from all acts intended to subvert such decisions, without prejudice to their constitutional rights.
• recognize the positive role being played by the Joint Political Party Forum in resolving disputes between the parties in a consensual manner and in enhancing the transparency of the process.
• note the decision of the NEBE to review and investigate the 299 complaints of electoral irregularities that have been submitted by political parties.
• affirm the need for there to be public confidence and transparency in the decision making procedures.
• express their wish to participate in the review and investigation process.
• urge international observers to accept the NEBE’s invitation to observe the complaints and results process.
2. As agreed in the meeting of the Joint Political Party Forum of 30 May 2005, the signatories of this declaration are committed to participate fairly and constructively in the Complaints Investigation Panels to be established by NEBE.
3. Noting the establishment of an ad-hoc Complaints Review Body consisting of legal experts appointed by the NEBE, the signatories request of the NEBE that they are able to participate in hearings so as to provide clarification of existing evidence and, where appropriate to submit new evidence, prior to the final recommendations of the Complaints Review Body. Such a role is intended to ensure that the Complaints Review body makes its recommendations with all available information.
4. As the work of the Complaint Review Body has already commenced, the signatories call on the NEBE to urgently and positively respond to these requests.
signed by:- EPRDF , UEDF and CUD
Source: Waltainfo.com