NEBE Organizes Discussion Forum to Encourage Merger of Political Parties

Addis Ababa ENA July 23/2019 The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) organized today a discussion forum that encourages opposition political parties to merge. 

Briefing journalists, NEBE Deputy Chairperson Wubishet Ayele said merger of political parties eases the work of the board and gives better leverage for the political parties.

"Merger of political parties improves the political activity in the country. Broadening the political space does not mean increment in number of political parties. Parties with common ideology need to merge as having over 107 political parties in a country is not helpful," he noted.

According to him, the proclamation for the establishment of NEBE and the election law also directly or indirectly encourage the need for creating coalition, front, and merge.

Joint Council of Political Parties Deputy Chairperson, Girma Bekele told ENA that the council  encourages opposition political parties to merge based on ideology and program for the ultimate benefit of the country and its people.

He stated that "it is even difficult to remember the names of over 107 parties in this country, let alone comparing and voting for them in an election."