Remembering the martyrs of June 8, 2005 inevitably leads us to the May 2005 election in Ethiopia and the subsequent tragic developments following this election. The May 2005 historic election was a moment in the history of the Ethiopian people who have yearned and struggled for centuries to bring about good governance and development to their country. On May 15, 2005- 26 million registered voters came out to cast their vote and elect their leaders. Believing that their votes will count, Ethiopians stoically endured enormous suffering and sacrifice to usher in the new democratic era. On that election day, the mood of the nation was that of hope and jubilation. For the first time the installation of a government elected by the people became a possibility. However, on May 16, 2005 when 10% of the vote was not even counted the ruling party dominated by TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) blatantly stole the people’s vote, and declared itself a winner. And fearing the people’s reaction to this treachery, Meles Zenawi declared a state of emergency and banned all forms of peaceful protest.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Martyrs for Democracy; your sacrifice will not be in vain!
Remembering the martyrs of June 8, 2005 inevitably leads us to the May 2005 election in Ethiopia and the subsequent tragic developments following this election. The May 2005 historic election was a moment in the history of the Ethiopian people who have yearned and struggled for centuries to bring about good governance and development to their country. On May 15, 2005- 26 million registered voters came out to cast their vote and elect their leaders. Believing that their votes will count, Ethiopians stoically endured enormous suffering and sacrifice to usher in the new democratic era. On that election day, the mood of the nation was that of hope and jubilation. For the first time the installation of a government elected by the people became a possibility. However, on May 16, 2005 when 10% of the vote was not even counted the ruling party dominated by TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) blatantly stole the people’s vote, and declared itself a winner. And fearing the people’s reaction to this treachery, Meles Zenawi declared a state of emergency and banned all forms of peaceful protest.
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