House endorses new electoral code of conduct

Addis Ababa, December 22, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - The House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) endorsed on Tuesday the National Electoral Code of Conduct after holding thorough deliberations on the new code.

Holding its regular meeting, HPR endorsed the code, which was presented by the Law and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee of the parliament, with majority vote after thorough deliberations.

According to the recommendation of the standing committee, the new bill was prepared in line with the constitution and other laws of the nation and based on international standards.

Some 65 political parties operating in the country held detailed discussions and developed the new electoral code of conduct and its implementation guideline before it is brought to the parliament.

The code will help to avoid suspicions and hatred that existed among the political parties and enable the parties forge healthy relations and resolve political differences through peaceful dialogue.

Endorsing the code will enable the country enhance efforts toward ensuring democratic culture, respect human rights, and the supremacy of law and order across the nation besides carrying out democratic, free, and fair national elections as well as credible on the part of the electorate.

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