Police finalizes preparations to ensure peaceful conduct of upcoming elections across nation
Addis
Ababa, April 11, 2008 (WIC) - The federal Police Commission said today security preparations have been finalized to ensure the peaceful conduct of the upcoming local and by-elections across the country. Commission Public Affairs Relations Head Commander Demsash Hailu told WIC that the police have received ethical and capacity building training for about two years in collaboration with various stakeholders.
According to him, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has in particular given specific training to the police on election.
He therefore underscored his confidence in the police force as they are now better equipped to operate ethically, independently and impartially.
Asked if there had been any security challenges so far,the head said election related activities have so far been going on peacefully, owing to the ever growing cooperation between the public and the police.
The command posts established down to kebele level during the onset of the new Ethiopian millennium with a view to tracing security threats and foiling terrorist attempts thereby ensuring peace and security across the country would be utilized during the elections too, Commander Demsash said.
He further stated that the Director General of the federal Police Commission and regional Police Commissioners have been in frequent contact and discussion following which they have devised an integrated system to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections.
Recalling the immense role of the public towards the peaceful and successful celebrations of the Ethiopian Millennium and the 10th Ordinary Summit of AU Heads of state and government, Demsash called on the public to extend the usual cooperation on any matters in the usual way during these elections.
