EZEMA Alleges Electoral Rights Violations, Security Interference Ahead of Vote

Mintesinot Niggusie

Ethiopia’s Citizens for Social Justice party, EZEMA, has raised concerns over what it describes as violations of democratic and electoral rights during the current election period, citing candidate exclusion rules in the Harari region and alleged pressure on its members by security forces.

In a statement, the party said democratic participation, including the right to vote and be elected, was being undermined by identity-based requirements applied in parts of the country. It pointed to a decision in the Harari region that it said required candidates for the Harari National Council to belong to the Harari ethnic group, a condition it argues contradicts constitutional guarantees of equal political participation.

EZEMA said the measure resulted in the exclusion of some of its candidates and those of other parties, following a court decision and subsequent electoral instructions. The party said it intends to challenge the ruling through legal channels, citing constitutional provisions on non-discrimination in political rights.

The party also raised concerns about what it described as politically motivated actions by security forces, including arrests and harassment of its candidates and coordinators in several zones in southern Ethiopia, including Gamo, Korre, Dawro and Arba Minch.

According to the statement, some detained members were later released following intervention by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, though EZEMA said the initial arrests reflected improper conduct.

It further alleged that in some regions its members and candidates faced suspension from salary and benefits, deductions from wages under what it described as unlawful directives, and intimidation of supporters and voters. The party cited examples in areas including the Keffa and Gardula zones, as well as the Sidama region.

EZEMA called on the government to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in line with democratic principles and to restrain local officials it accused of acting beyond legal boundaries. It also urged accountability measures against those involved in alleged violations.