Success of forthcoming election requires efforts of all, says PM

Addis Ababa, February 3, 2020 (FBC) – Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed today appeared before the Parliament to respond to queries raised by the MPs.

Ahead of receiving questions form the MPs, the Prime Minister provided a briefing on the challenges faced from inside and outside following the introduction of the reform initiatives.

The country managed to thwart various threats, including planned attacks from al-Shabaab. Details of the attacks will be revealed soon, he said.

Responding to question regarding Dembi Dolo University students who were believed to have been kidnapped, the Prime Minister said no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.

No concrete evidences have also been found regarding the abduction. But, a taskforce led by the Deputy PM Demeke Mekonnen, is following the situation closely with the necessary precaution, he said.

The final results of the investigation will be announced to the people when it is completed, the Prime Minister said.

The release of prisoners, return of exiled political parties to home, unblocking of many websites and amendment of repressive laws were mentioned as some of the gains made after the reform.

The Prime Minister further said the measures taken by the government to address problems at the Ethiopian Sugar Corporation and Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam 9GERD) project have yielded positive results.

The Prime Minister further said 153 projects worth 190 billion birr are being executed across the country.

As far as the forthcoming general election is concerned, the Prime Minister said that his administration is committed to hold the election as per scheduled.

However, besides the government and the electoral board, the success of the election requires the efforts of all stakeholders.

According to him, the roles of MPs, competing political parties and the people are important for its success.

The Prime Minister further said his government has created 1.2 million job opportunities in the first half of this fiscal year.