Canada’s Statement on Ethiopia’s Federal and Regional Council Elections

News Release
For immediate release

May 29, 2015 - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - Embassy of Canada

David Usher, Canada’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Canada’s representative to the African Union, today issued the following statement:

“I congratulate the people of Ethiopia for turning out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote in last Sunday’s elections.

“We note, first, that the African Union Election Observation Mission was the only international mission permitted to observe the elections and, second, its observation of a generally calm and peaceful environment during the elections.

“Canada has regularly voiced concerns to Ethiopia on issues of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. We hope that any election-related disputes are resolved in a peaceful and law-abiding manner.

“Canada believes that an open and inclusive approach is conducive to democratic governance and that democracy and economic growth go hand in hand.

“Ethiopia has made significant progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals and in economic development, and Canada will continue to work with Ethiopia, building on 50 years of bilateral diplomatic relations and a long tradition of development cooperation.”

Contacts

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada-DFATD