Ethiopia results delayed again
2005-06-27 17:03
Addis Ababa - Electoral authorities may delay releasing the results for disputed elections that sparked deadly clashes in Ethiopia, an official said on Monday.
He cited incomplete investigations into voting irregularities in a quarter of the seats.
During three days of protests that started on June 6 against alleged electoral fraud in last month's parliamentary elections, police shot at demonstrators, killing at least 36 people.
Police later killed a newly elected opposition leader in southern Ethiopia. Six policemen were arrested for the politician's death.
Officials originally said results would be released on June 8.
They later delayed the release by one month to allow officials to probe electoral irregularities in at least 135 out of 547 constituencies.
The national electoral board may release partial results because investigations may not be complete, said acting registrar Mekonnen Wondiu.
"Up to now, the board hasn't decided to change the date, but after the assessment it might," said Mekonnen.
"The board has said it will announce the results on that day — whether it is 100 constituencies or whether it is 300 constituencies."
"It could mean we don't know who the winner is," he said.
Investigations may start on Friday, maybe, and some investigators may need two days to reach rural constituencies, he said.
"The investigations will take 12 days. That is past the deadline. Seeing this situation, the board might decide to change the date," he said.
- AP