The Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP), which was in an internal strife due to differences within the leadership of the party for the past one year, reaffirmed its commitment to continue its peaceful struggle for the realization of a democratic political system in the country.
The leadership of the party, which was in a squabble with the group led by the founder and veteran of the party, Lidetu Ayalew, disclosed their commitments to pursue their peaceful struggle during a press conference held at Ras Hotel on Tuesday, August 14, 2018.
Due to the rift within the leadership of the party, the EDP has failed to conduct its basic activities in the past one year failing to conduct its general assembly. However, “since the party has sorted out its problems; currently, preparations are underway to conduct its general assembly within the coming two or three months,” Wasihun Tesfaye, head of the research department of the party told The Reporter.
According to the leadership of the party that maintained its chair headed by president Chane Kebede (PhD), the rift that occurred in the party is mainly because, some leaders of the party consider themselves above the rules and regulations of the party and for this reason the role and contribution of the party in the changing pressing political situation in the country was crippled for past one solid year.
Following the rift within the party, the Ethiopian National Electoral Board (NEBE) ruled in favor of president Chane. However, the group led by the veteran Lidetu and others were against the decision. Hence, the problem was there for a long time.
Then after, the leadership favored by the NEBE took the case in to court and won again to reclaim the stamp and cheque of the party which was in the hands the secretary of the party who stands against the leadership of Chane. However, the group that stands against Chane declared the demise of the party two weeks ago.
Though some members of the of the party stated its demise, Chane refuted such statements and made clear that despite its recent problems within the leadership of the party, the EDP is still well functioning and prepared to advance its activities throughout the country afresh.