Amidst criticism of the decision to hold an election while the case of coronavirus is increasing in the region and in the country, Tigray’s leader Debretsion Gebremichael said the Tigray region will proceed with the election by taking all necessary precautions.
At a press conference in Mekelle yesterday, Debretsion said that even if the federal government has decided to delay the general election, the region will go ahead by taking all necessary safety precautions against the spread of the coronavirus. “We will execute the election within the legal framework, in the way which involves the political parties, associations and civic societies, and also the election board,” Debretsion said.
When the regional government decided to hold the election in these times, it was not because it was unconcerned about the risks associated with the pandemic but it was out of respect for the people’s votes and Constitution, he said.
“Come September, neither the federal nor regional government will longer have constitutional legitimacy, so not to conduct the election is parlous,” Debretsion told the press conference. “The issue at stake is one of honoring the people’s decision and respecting the constitution, not just extending the election.”
Tigray region recorded four cases of COVID-19, the first in the region on May 7, and four more cases were reported since. The region has declared a state of emergency on March 26, before the federal government.
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Who really cares? Why do non-Tigryans pay too much attention to this charade. We know it only too well that Tigray has always been a ”democratic State” under TPLF since 1975! Where is the lost 27 years it squandered in Colonizing the rest of Ethiopia?Why would anyone be surprised about their elections. A Tigryan election is exclusively for Tigryans. Its democratic instinct doesn’t even extend to Rayaas and the Afaars. Like Tegaru, it is a futile attempt to draw attention to the defunct TPLF. While, the rest of Ethiopians are learning they are better off without this narrow minded people every day.
Dr. Debretsion, it was a lot better if the people and the constitution were respected during elections 97, 2002 & 2012. It is unbelievable that no one cares but TPLF¡¡¡
A repeat of Tplf tactic to hang onto power. Covid19 will keep most people away and Debretsion and friends and family will vote. The result? Tplf will return to office with 90% win. From the opposition, Arena will have 5 delegates, Ezema 1 JUST AS PLANNED. That is the democracy Debretsion is talking about. 43% of ‘new generation’ Tplf members will be family members of the old guard! Of course the exercise is useless as Debretsion himself knows all too well. It is a face-saving device. Ethiopians have only contempt for Tplf and there is no way Tplf could make a comeback. The solution? Hold an election to appear Tplf is still in charge, in Mekelle if not in Addis.
Dr. Abiy and the Election Commission should ignore all that and carry on with other weighty duties. The temperature is up in Mekelle and it is getting boring to continue life sidelined. Once in a while make a noise so you are not erased from memory. See how Sebhat, Seyoum, Getachew, etc are on a campaign to create a new narrative over the media — funny it is all in Amharic! There we go. Dr. Abiy, don’t lose sleep over Tplf.