Addis Ababa, June 24, 2021 (FBC) – In a press briefing held this afternoon, Chairperson of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, Birtukan Mideksa stated that activities are well under way to help constituencies unveil preliminary results of the election during the next two days.
She said the board has received a number complaints from political parties and their agents concerning shortage of voting materials and some irregularities during the process.
The chairperson said some irregularities has been seen in small number of polling stations and there will be mechanisms to redress such issues including recount at constituency level. Decision was made to quarantine miscounted ballots, she added.
The chairperson explained that observations in preliminary results are very encouraging. NEBE will give final comments once the final reports are out and keep engaging observer stakeholders.
Preliminary results being issued by constituencies can be taken as information till the board officially announces the final result report, adding that it is illegal to claim winners unless the board accredits the result.
Feedbacks of international observers such as Eastern Africa Standby Force Election Observation Mission (EASF EOM), African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), Coalition of Civic Society Organizations for Election and Women Lawyers Association are encouraging and motivational.