NEBE prepares code of conduct for int’l election observers

Addis Ababa, February 9, 2010 (Addis Ababa) - The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said it has prepared code of conduct and working procedures for international election observers.

NEBE Chairperson Prof. Merga Bekana said the directive implicitly states the legitimacy of the election would be approved by the rule of law and the people of the country.

He said the direction was prepared to enable election observers to discharge their responsibility in accordance with the rule of law , election law.

The code of conduct of the directive incorporate international practices and invaluable knowledge gained at last national election.

The directive clearly states by whom the election observers are invited, procedures while they are on duties and how they could give comments, among others.

It also acknowledges the contribution of the role of election observers.

It states election observers to carry out their responsibility in neutral and candid way.

He said NEBE has deliberated on the code of conduct and working procedures with political parties before it is issued.

The chairperson said NEBE will incorporate constructive comments in the code of conduct and direction according to a report file by the Ethiopian Radio and Television Agency.