In a weekly statement issued on Friday under the title : “Democratic Elections Guarantee Peoples' Power," the Ministry said that all voters are expected to work hard towards achieving successful elections through using their democratic rights to elect a candidate or to be elected themselves on 13 and 20 April 2008.

The government will continue to work hard to ensure that the elections are indeed free and fair, it said.

By recognizing the irreplaceable impact of the elections on the country’s peace, democratization, good governance and economic development all citizens are expected to mobilize collective efforts.

The all-round and active participation of the Ethiopian peoples in the previous elections, as well as in the one which will take place soon, in a sprit of responsibility proves the extent to which citizens are using their rights.

Some 26 million voters were registered and there are over 4.5 million candidates representing 32 political parties for the upcoming national and local by-elections.

This, in addition to indicating the public’s great interest in building the democratic system in the country ensures that political power belongs to the citizens of the country, the Ministry said.

R-3:10-3:30 PM

E- 3:30-3:38

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