The Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) says that its decision to participate in the upcoming 7th General Election is a result of administrative pressure from the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) rather than a belief that the political environment is free or fair.
Mulatu Gemechu, vice chairman of the OFC, stated that the party faces the risk of removal from the legal registry if it fails to engage in the electoral process.
In a statement issued following an emergency meeting this week, the party’s central committee announced its decision to field candidates solely to retain its legal status.
In an interview with The Reporter, Mulatu explained the urgency imposed by the electoral authority.
“The Election Board stated that if we do not register by December 2, they will not accept us,” Mulatu said. “Since the deadline was so soon, the central committee didn’t have an option but to gather and decide to register.”
In its statement, the party also cited amendments to electoral laws, which stipulate that a party could lose its legal standing if it fails to participate in two consecutive general or local elections.
Having boycotted previous elections, the OFC leadership determined that another non-participation would result in the dissolution of the party.
“The decision does not imply that the OFC views the current political landscape as improved or stable,” said Mulatu. “It is not because the situation is conducive or because the political space is wide that we are entering. We can see there is no stability, but since we have boycotted twice before and we are legally registered to struggle peacefully, and since boycotting did not bring about the desired result, we decided to enter the race this year.”
OFCs press release also confirmed that it would not field candidates in areas of active conflict, particularly in the Oromia region, stating they “do not play politics on the blood of the people.”
Despite the limitations, Mulatu emphasized that the party intends to compete seriously in the constituencies they contest.
“We participate to win,” he said.
However, the party’s statement concludes by proposing fundamental preconditions that must be met to ensure a peaceful and fair election by addressing the root causes of the conflict.
The party demanded that an immediate ceasefire agreement must be reached to end the war in Oromia and other regions. The OFC also called for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, the free opening of all party offices, and the space for all parties to move and operate freely.
The party called for structural improvements at the NEBE to ensure its neutrality and credibility.
