Addis Ababa University (AAU) Centre for Human Rights (CHR) conducted a five days training with the theme of “Election and Human Rights” at Sarem International Hotel, Addis Ababa last week.

According to Christopher Beken (PhD), Multidisciplinary Human Rights Education and Training Project coordinator, the training included Federal Government and State officials as well as NGOs representatives from different streams.

The training mainly focused on Human Right Norms for free and fair elections, how to run an election based on Electoral Code of Conduct and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms from the  incidence of voters registration up to result announcement.

It was stated that elections would be highly likely to be democratic when carried out in a system where all human rights respected and protected in standards based on FDRE constitution and reference to regional and global instruments.

Every Ethiopian national irrespective of color, race, language, gender, religion, political opinion, membership of any organization or group, age limit of 18 and above, etc has the right to elect or be elected, as stated in the training manual.

Election Code of Conduct states that voters have to engage on the election based on comprehensive information during the campaign, vote freely without interference, fear, pressure, undue influence, bribery, etc.

According to the training, election grievance or dispute may arise during voter or candidate registration, voting, vote counting and announcement of results.

The Electoral Law sets an election grievances hearing and dispute resolution mechanism comprising the National Electoral Board, courts and the grievance hearing committee.

Addis Ababa University Center for Human Rights organized the training in collaboration with Project STRACE-CHR.

By: Zelalem Moges

Photo: Andualem Aseffa

Editor: Abraham Girmay