The National Election Board of Ethiopia announced allocation of free media airtime for political parties participating in the upcoming general elections of the country.
The board has already announced that a total of 46 political parties and more than 35 private candidates have registered to participate in the upcoming elections, which are expected to be held for the seventh time in Ethiopia and for which various preparations are reportedly underway.
The board said that the media airtime allocation announced by the board will be distributed equally, and parties that have female members and persons with disabilities as candidates and members will receive additional campaign time.
The board said that the number of people registered to vote in this year’s elections through various means has exceeded 18 million, and the board previously estimated that the total number of people who will participate in this year’s elections will reach 50 million.
During the ceremony of drawing lots for the free airtime allocation of political parties for the 7th general election, the Board Chairman Melatwerk Hailu delivered the opening speech.
In his speech, he stated that the Board had been coordinating the free airtime allocation for weeks in accordance with the proclamation, in collaboration with the Media Authority. He further noted that the airtime allocation provides an opportunity for political parties to promote their programs and policies, and for individual candidates to share their alternative ideas and campaign, and to get to know the voters.
He strongly urged the 46 registered political parties and individual candidates to use the announced free airtime responsibly.
The Director of the Authority, Haimanot Zeleke, said that the free airtime allocation was made to 50 media outlets; he said that the allocation was made in accordance with the law in a manner that ensures the free, impartial and fair conduct of the elections.
He said that the allocation made to public and commercial media outlets was made to 24 radio stations, 20 television stations and six newspapers; he said that considering the channels they operate and the language, the allocation will be made to 66 channels.
Following the opening remarks, the Board’s Deputy Chairman, Tesfaye Nway, gave a detailed explanation on “The Use and Allocation of Media by Political Parties and Individual Candidates.” Following his remarks, he explained the “Explanation on the Free Airtime Allocation Implementation System” to the media. Finally, the drawing of lots was carried out through the lottery system.
