EPRP Dares Gov’t To Commit To Negotiations With Armed Groups

‎The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) says its participation in next year’s national elections hinges on the federal government’s willingness to commit to negotiations with armed groups in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

The demand is on a list of five preconditions that officials of one of the oldest parties in the country say must be met by the government before voters head to the polls sometime in mid-2026.

‎Speaking to The ReporterMistereselassie Tamirat, EPRP secretary-general, argued meeting the demands is crucial to ensure a free and fair election.

‎“Our preconditions, first and foremost, begin with those currently engaged in armed struggle. They must be brought into proper and meaningful negotiations and dialogue with the government, and their questions must be addressed—we firmly believe that,” Mistereselassie said.

‎She underscored the need for the release of all individuals imprisoned due to their identity, political beliefs, or affiliations.

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‎“This includes political prisoners, journalists, and human rights defenders,” said Mistereselassie.

The party has expressed its opposition to ongoing efforts to replace members of the National Electoral Board, calling instead for the current leadership’s capacity to be strengthened.

‎The party is also demanding “practical guarantees” to ensure media outlets operate freely and independently.

‎‎“These are not only essential prerequisites for a credible election but also fundamental human and democratic rights that must be respected,” Mistereselassie added.

‎The Secretary-General clarified that the party has not yet reached a final decision on whether to participate in the election, which is constitutionally scheduled for next year.

‎”We want to see this constitutional principle respected,” she asserted. “From our perspective as a peaceful political force, any structural change in governance should ideally come through elections. We support holding the election on time.”

EPRP was one of four political parties who issued a recent statement calling for the government to make its electoral preparations transparent to both the public and opposition parties.

The coalition, which also includes Enat Party, the National Movement of Amhara, and the All Ethiopian Unity Organization (AEO), also raised concerns revolving around “the process of replacing Election Board members.”

The parties stated that they recognize the challenges facing the current National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) chaired by Melatwork Hailu, but assert that its experience in conducting one general election should be taken into consideration.

They cautioned that new appointees may lack the required experience to effectively manage the process.

‎On the other hand, in discussing the role of the Joint Council of Political Parties, Mistereselassie raised concerns over the growing dominance of the ruling party.

‎“There is no doubt that the ruling party’s influence in the Council is increasing,” she said. “This issue goes beyond the Council itself and ties into the broader matter of institutional independence in the country.”

Mistereselassie cited the circumstances and speculations surrounding the resignation of Daniel Bekele (PhD), former head of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), as an example of institutional vulnerability to political interference.

‎“If supposedly independent institutions are under such pressure, it’s not hard to imagine the level of political interference that exists,” she said.

Mistereselassie called for genuine scrutiny of political parties’ independence.

‎”We must understand the purpose for which each party was created, who founded it, their capacity, and their motives. Is each party genuinely engaging in the Council, or are they simply supporting the ruling party’s agenda? These things must be clarified,” she told The Reporter.

Mistereselassie believes the continued interference calls for a new space for the opposition.

‎”Since not all parties can align with the ruling party’s position—and because the ruling party is more focused on suppressing opposition than engaging with it—stronger parties should form their own independent platforms to operate freely and autonomously,” she said.