Board Chairperson, Professor, Merga Bekana told journalists on Wednesday that OFDM has not yet notified the board about its withdrawal from the elections.

The board became aware of the party's decision through various mass media.

Prof. Merga said OFDM was one of the 32 political parties that fielded candidates to take part in the elections. The party was an active participant at joint forums set up by the board for political parties.

The board repeatedly asked for evidences to prove allegations by the party. Most of the accusations were not supported by evidences.

The party fielded 180 candidates to take part in the elections across the country. Some 16 of the candidates were fielded for Addis Ababa City Administration Council. OFDM had actively participated in last Sunday's elections.

He said there is no doubt that the party has withdrawn from the elections after evaluating the election results of last Sunday

This indicates that the party is not ready to play its share in the ongoing efforts to build democracy in the country.

The election results would be made official on May 19,2008 across the country.

Deputy board chairperson, Dr. Addisu Gebreegziabher on his part said though the board is not notified the measure taken by OFDM to boycott the elections is not legal .

Office head, Tesfaye Mengesha said sast Sunday's election was conducted in a peaceful and democratic manner .

More than 90 per cent of the registered voters had cast votes same day.

The board lauded the participation of the public to make the elections peaceful and democratic.

R7:00-7:44pm

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