The third national election in Ethiopia is hailed as the first most democratic election in ages old history of the country. Observers both local and international such as AU and Carter center commended it for being free and fair with a level playing ground for all contestant and independent candidates. 

The ruling party, EPRDF, owing to its commitment for democratization and good governance in the country exerted multifaceted efforts to make the May election symbolic and successful.  A number of constructive measures were taken; the electoral law was amended, deadline of registration of candidates extended as per the request of the opposition parties.  Further, EPRDF also trained its cadres on the code of conduct to be pursued during the course of the election.    

On the contrary the opposition parties particularly CUD was not committed for free and democratic election. Its leadership sought to mix both legal and illegal means  to come to power seizing democratic opportunity if possible or through violence if it fails emulating the orange revolution of Ukraine.  When the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia /NEBE/ announced the provisional result the opposition parties began to cry foul labeling the election fraudulent. In the event of alleged irregularities is common to seek redress through it will be resolved thought the legal system of the country. In this case however the opposition, especially the CUD was not willing to present its case to the court of law CUD rather went on to declare they have won the election because they have won in landslide in the metropolis. This is the first departure of CUD to carry out its strategy of " Popular wave of insurrection that gave way to the June 8 incident. 

The government after this violence fomented by CUD, has continued to make clear that violence of any sort is unconstitutional and punishable by the law. However, all the warning had fallen on deaf ears. Patience and restraint was taken for weakness. 

Due to their disregard to the law of the country CUD and other opposition groups instigated violent action even rejecting the ban on demonstration intended to curb loss of life and destruction of properties. These illicit acts of the hardliners CUD leadership have shown their desire to seize power at any cost. 

When the final result was declared by the NEBE, CUD rejected in contravention of the agreement it signed showing its usual contempt for the constitution and institutions established through it. Finally, CUD boycotted the parliament pursuing similar tactics by announcing a series of unrests from October 31 to November 14, 2005.  

To pursue its violence CUD has publicly announced an eight-point program of "peaceful struggle". First of all this shows that the CUD hardliner leaders are self appointed democrats with credentials of dictators. Their intention was to alienate people based on their views and bloodline. These divisive and extremist group claims that the protest is peaceful demonstration while hand grenades guns and machetes were used against security forces.

CUD has also worked in tandem with the Oromo Liberation Front /OLF/ and enemies of Ethiopia in the sub-region unconstitutionally unseat elected government.  

Therefore the whole street violence is an organized insurrection to topple a legitimate government in unconstitutional manner.  

CUD through the violence local perching press and Amharic services of the  VOA and Deuche Welle has unleashed smearing campaign, as party of its strategy to launch a series of violent street action. And as a result seven police efforts were killed while 538 others sustained injuries not to mention the devastation that befallen public property.

In the Ethiopian context democracy isn't a choice but a must. Therefore, the government will stay on track and carry on with the of democratization process. With regard to the CUD hardliner leaders who planned, instigated and orchestrated the violence against the rules, laws and constitution of the country to overthrow a legitimate government through street violence, they have to stand trial face justice because any attempt to seize power through unconstitutional means is a criminal offence of high degree as stipulated in the supreme law of the nation.    

The government has made it abundantly clear that it welcomes the moderates in the   CUD leadership who defy violence as means of attaining power and expressed readiness for dialogue.

The CUD leaders are facing treason charges not because the government has the intention of silencing opponents. On the country it is a measure taken to project the fledgling democracy from being trampled by undemocratic force.

All citizens irrespective of their political, social or religious creeds are expected to respect the constitution. 

The government believes that the presence of vibrant media is vital for democratization and good governance. Responsible media is believed to be key in nation building as it helps create an informed citizenry. However, the majority of tabloids crave for sensational stories. These papers have played destructive role fomenting violence, division and hate.  And as a responsible government, the incumbent has to protect the integrity and well being of its people and the country.