Political parties say they accept election results, congratulate EPRDF

Some 14 political parties here on Monday said they accept the election results and respect votes of the public. The parties also conveyed congratulatory message to the EPRDF.

EDP on its part wished winner of the 4th national elections a successful five-year term. According to a joint statement the 14 political parties made at Sheraton Addis in the capital , they will respect public vote as the national elections was held in a peaceful and democratic manner. CUD, ONC, AEDP, AENM, EVP and EDUM, among others, are some of the parties, which made the statement.

The parties said in their six-point resolution that though there were some problems in some areas during the 4th national elections, they will respect public vote as the problems would not bring about basic change on the election result. The parties urged other political parties to respect votes of the public and contribute share in the efforts to maintain peace and build democracy in the country.

They also condemned violence as it hinders the democratization process and development of the country. They said they accept the peaceful process of the election and active participation of the public in the elections, which observers of the African Union, the Coalition of Civic Associations and the European Union have witnessed. The parties also denounced interference of foreign forces in relation to the national elections. The parties conveyed message of congratulation to the ruling party, which won the elections with majority vote.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's statement expressing the ruling party's willingness to work in collaboration with opposition parties on national affairs contributes to further strengthen multi-party system in the country, they said. In a statement they made at Ghion Hotel here, EDP leaders on their parts indicated that opposition parties were defeated because of their basic organizational weaknesses. They said the parties should put in place strategies to identify their weaknesses and take corrective measures. The leaders on the occasion presented problems they said occurred during the election process. --ENA

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