EASF on the Ground in Ethiopia: Calling for Peaceful Elections and Respect for Rule of Law

The Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) announces the arrival of its election observation mission (EOM) for the 6th general election in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to be held on 21st  June 2021.

The Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force, Brigadier General Getachew Shiferaw accepted the invitation from the host country, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and consequently has deployed the Mission to observe and report on the conduct of the 6th general election.

The Eastern Africa Standby Force Election Observation Mission (EASF EOM) consists of 28 observers from EASF member states and they will cover five regions and two city administration namely; Oromia, Amhara, Afar, Sidama, SNNP, Dirre Dawa, and Addis Abba.  EASF observers are from 8 EASF Member States namely; Burundi, Djibouti, Kenya, Somalia, Seychelles, Uganda, Rwanda and Comoros. The EASF EOM is led by His Excellency Ambassador, ABDILLAH AOULED ALI from Djibouti and the Deputy Head of Mission, Miss LINA HOAREAU from the Republic of Seychelles.

The EASF-EOM assessment will be based on relevant provisions of the AU African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance of 2012 (ACDEG), the OAU/ AU Declaration of on the Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa, other relevant international instruments on election observation as well as national legal framework governing elections in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.  As per EASF mandate to enhance peace and security in the Eastern Africa region, the EASF EOM will undertake the following objectives;

1. To support the democratic process
2. In relation to international standards observe and provide an impartial and timely report on the electoral process.
3. To promote the conduct of credible and transparent elections and contribute to the consolidation of democracy, good governance, peace, and stability in the country.

The Mission will meet political authorities of the country, members of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) media houses, civil society actors, and representatives of the international community accredited to observe the 6th  general election in Ethiopia.

EASF urges all candidates and political leaders to maintain respect and tolerance throughout the election process, to respect human rights and divergence of views. We call on the law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties in a fair and professional manner without political interference.

The EASF-EOM calls on voters to actively engage and carry out their civic obligation and constitutional duty by voting in the 6th general election. EASF urges voters in places where voting will not take place to uphold a calm and peaceful environment and maintain the engagement with stakeholders in particular the national election commission in ensuring that the political rights of all Ethiopians are respected. EASF Election Observer Mission is appealing to the citizens to maintain peace, adherence to the rule of law, and to promote respect and tolerance throughout the elections.

Regular updates will be available on the EASF’s website and social media platforms through the election process.