NEBE issues statement regarding TPLF

Addis Ababa, August 9, 2024 (FBC) – The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) today issued a statement regarding TPLF.

TPLF submitted a request on July 26, 2023, via letter to get its legal status. The Board has examined the request in light of the Ethiopian Electoral, Political Parties Registration and Election Code of Conduct Proclamation No. 1162/2019 and its amendment Proclamation No. 1332/2023, and has passed decision.

Regarding TPLF’s request, this request was previously submitted to the Board on April 21, 2023, and May 6, 2023. The Board examined the request and decided on May 12, 2023, that there was no legal provision in Proclamation No. 1162/2019 that allows for the restoration of the party’s former existence. This decision was communicated at the time. Furthermore, Proclamation No. 1332/2023, which amended Proclamation No. 1162/2019, does not contain any legal provision that restores the former existence of a party that was dissolved due to involvement in rebellious activities. Therefore, the Board has not accepted the re-submitted request of the party’s legal status.

According to Article 2(1) of Proclamation No. 1332/2023, which amends Proclamation No. 1162/2019, if a political group that has participated in rebellious activities, and if it is confirmed by the relevant government body that the group has ceased such activities and agreed to operate in respect of the constitutional democratic system, it may be registered as a political party under special considerations.

Accordingly, Ministry of Justice has sent a letter to the Board affirming that TPLF could be registered as a political party with especial consideration based on the revised proclamation number 1332/2023 article 2 (1) of Ethiopia’s election, political parties registration, election code of conduct for the party has agreed to respect the constitution and the democratic system of the country by stopping its violence activities.

In addition, TPLF has submitted, along with its application, documents containing the political party program, bylaws, and a document with the names and signatures of party officials as detailed in Article 2(2) of the amended Proclamation No. 1332/2023.

Therefore, based on the confirmation given by the Ministry of Justice and the aforementioned documents submitted by TPLF, the Board has decided to register TPLF as a political party under special consideration. The Board has also decided that the legal entity certificate to be issued should be prepared with the phrase “under special considerations” as stipulated in Proclamation No. 1332/2023.

Based on Article 3 of Proclamation No. 1332/2023, the board has ordered TPLF to hold a general assembly that will be attended by the National Election Board of Ethiopia’s observers within six months from the date of receipt of the letter containing the decision to register under special considerations.

The board decided that TPLF should approve its bylaws and conduct election of its leaders during the assembly. The front also must inform the electoral board about the date of the general assembly 21 days before the general assembly so that the board can monitor the activities related to the pre-assembly.

The board has also passed a decision to monitor whether the TPLF is carrying out peaceful activities within one year and six months after the approval of the general assembly by the board according to Article 3 of Decree No. 1332/2023.

Finally, a two-page letter dated August 9, 2024 stating the decision of the board issued for registration as a political party under special consideration was delivered to the TPLF.