ETHIOPIA: Ethiopia's two main opposition parties have dismissed an inquiry into electoral fraud as a sham, saying people giving evidence have been harassed and threatened and claim that one witness has been killed. The government rejects the charges.
An inquiry was initiated after 40 people were shot dead by security forces during a demonstration in the capital, Addis Ababa, last month.
Students took to the streets after opposition leaders accused government supporters of stuffing ballot boxes and intimidating polling station monitors during the election on May 18th.
Yesterday, opposition figures said 90 per cent of their complaints had not been investigated properly. Brehanu Nega, of the main opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy, said the entire process favoured the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front of prime minister Meles Zenawi.
"The investigation process was a complete failure. The environment in which the panels conducted the investigation was too flawed to ascertain that there was vote rigging.
"Our representatives and witnesses have been harassed, threatened, barred and killed upon their returning from the hearing."
The elections were billed as a crucial test of Mr Meles's commitment to democracy. He came to power in 1991, after leading his rebel army to victory over hated dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam.
Initial reports from international monitors suggested this year's elections were the most free and fair in Ethiopia's history.
But complaints by opposition parties have delayed the release of final results until tomorrow.
So far, the EPRDF and the opposition parties are running neck and neck, increasing speculation that Mr Meles may find it hard to release his grip on power. The EPRDF and its smaller political allies have won 158 seats so far, with the opposition claiming 148 seats, with another 140 contested seats to be declared.
Bereket Simon, Ethiopian information minister, accused the opposition parties of trying to undermine the process. He added: "We believe the process is moving on the right path, is on track, transparent and open."