About 107 Ethiopian political parties signed on Thursday 14 March a code of conduct that will guide their operations as the country gears towards crucial polls slated for 2020.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed signed the document on behalf of the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front, EPRDF. He described the occasion as a democratic milestone.
Describing the day as a historic and unique one that has bound more than 100 parties in common understanding, he called upon all to treat the document as one that guides the actions of all.
He also called upon law and security enforcement entities to serve all parties equally. In concluding, PM Abiy Ahmed called upon all to be custodians of peace and unity in our current moment.
The new elections chief, Birtukan Mideksa and other officials were present at the event. Appointed in 2018, Mideksa and her team are tasked with organizing highly expected 2020 polls.
Prime minister Abiy has in the past held talks with opposition parties and spoken about his determination to ensure the polls are free, fair and credible. He has stated explicitly that he will respect the will of the people after the vote.
Political and security watchers have emphasized the importance of credible polls in current reforms. The two other vital planks being security and the economy.
