Election

Media Reports

 A visitor who commented on the election said, “Democracy rocks in Ethiopia. Whoever wins the election yesterday was a great day for Ethiopia. The people have spoken; now it is time for all the parties involved to act responsibly and accept the results."    " I am so proud of Ethiopians. God bless Ethiopia and Ethiopians. The most important measure of democracy is how gracefully parties accept defeat for the sake of the greater good of the nation. Therefore, I hope everyone involved will act responsibly in the coming days." 

In the same vein, another visitor by the name Dawit Wendafrash said, "Really, I have learned from the past history which is good and fair. I think democracy is growing here in Ethiopia... I really appreciate last Sunday's voting and the people's participation during the election. "

Walta Information Center

Professors and students of the Addis Ababa University (AAU) say the active

Participation demonstrated by the public in the elections was a testimony to the emerging democratic system and culture in the country. They said contesting parties should accept with dignity the outcome of the elections, the verdict of the public.

 The overall election process, according to them, was a showcase of the nascent democracy taking roots in Ethiopia.

VOA

Quoted a State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher as saying, "We expect the opposition, the majority party and the government to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and respect the outcome of the voting, and to refrain from any violence at this juncture.

 Afro News

 So far ...  many foreign election observers present in Ethiopia have been mostly positive on this poll exercise.           

 The Guardian  

Ethiopians take huge stride in the first free election. In one of the world's poorest countries scarred by centuries of autocratic rule, few would expect a free election. 

Sudan Tribune

Ethiopia's election is conducted in an open and peaceful manner. The casting of votes was conducted in a peaceful and smooth manner with voters given explanations on voting procedures.

Economist .com 

The election was Ethiopia's freest ever. At elections on May 15th, Ethiopians were offered a real choice. Opposition parties fielded more candidates than ever before. The state broadcaster aired proper political debates. Foreign observers were welcomed. A week before the vote, opposition supporters were allowed to march in Addis Ababa, the capital. 

Daily News 

For the first time in history, the majority of Ethiopian voters were presented with choices when they went to the polls. 

Ethiopia has made tremendous strides towards democracy in the last several months, including more open debate, greater political participation, large rallies, and enormous high voter turnout on Election Day.