Chief Administrators of Oromia, SNNP and Afar Regions Cast Ballots
(ENA) Oromia, Southern Nations Nationalities and People’s as well as Afar Regional States Chief Administrators have cast their ballots this morning.
After casting his vote at Ginchi Dendi constituency, Oromia Chief Administrator Shimeles Abdissa said inhabitants of the region have turned out to vote in huge numbers, despite the immense pressures made to prevent the people from taking voting cards.
He noted that the people’s vote should be respected both during the election and after the election. All contending parties should also be prepared to accept the results.
“If we (the ruling party) win, we will form a strong government. If we lose, we will accept the result,” he stressed.
In the region, 268 candidates from 9 political parties are running for seats in the House of People’s Representatives and 638 candidates fielded for the state council.
After voting, Shimeles planted a tree seedling and called on others to do the same. Some 83 million seedlings are expected to be planted in the region on this election day.
In related news, Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region Chief Administrator Ristu Yirdaw cast his vote in Gurage Zone Gunchare town.
After casting his vote, he said there were many attempts to stop the conduct of the 6th General Election, but the people have demonstrated their thirst for democracy by casting ballots unhindered by the internal and external detractors.
“If any of us wins, Ethiopia will win. This is not a victory of one party but the victory of all Ethiopians,” he stressed.
He further called on the community in the region to cast their votes and plant tree seedlings.
Afar Regional State Chief Administrator, Awol Arba said on his part that the election is proceeding peacefully and voters should elect the candidates they believe would bring peace, development and prosperity to the country.
“Ethiopia is a respected country and this is the time we once again renew our dignity and freedom through holding this election,” he added.
The election, according to Awol, is meaningful for the Afar people and all Ethiopians.
Source: Ethiopia News Agency