Over 24.9 mln voters registered across nation: NEBE

Addis Ababa, February 9, 2010 (Addis Ababa) The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) said a total of over 24.9 million voters have been registered across the country until Jan. 6, 2010.

NEBE deputy head, Ermias Assefa told ENA on Tuesday that over two million additional voters' ID cards were distributed following the high turn out of electorates.

He said so far 45 political parties have fielded 1,401 candidates for parliamentary seats and 2952 nominees for regional councils.

Ermias said 36 independent candidates are registered to compete for seats in the parliament while ten others for regional councils.

He said NEBE is establishing polling stations in some parts of Oromia , Amhara and South Ethiopia peoples' States owing to the increased number of electorates.

The deputy head called on eligible electorates to receive their voters' ID cards in the remaining registration week.

More than 32 million eligible voters are expected to be registered for the elections, according to NEBE