Chairperson Bertukan Mideksa (Ethiomedia)

This was announced on Sunday by Ms. Bertukan Mideksa, chairperson of Andenet party, an opposition group that evolved from the once popular Kinijit party, which was virtually destroyed by the ruling party of Meles Zenawi following the latter's overwhelming defeat at the 2005 polls.

Asked how Andenet would perform in a stifling and very repressive political environment, Bertukan Mideksa said both society and opposition parties would exert maximum pressure on the ruling party which would then be forced to widen the scope of opposition participation. "It is not the ruling party which is setting the trend. The society, opposition parties and various other factors add up to be the political trend setters."

Elaborating on party activities, Ms. Bertukan said her was planning to open well over 100 Andenet branches throughout the country, and has approved a budget of over 7.3 million Birr.

Answering questions like what is Andenet doing to restore public confidence in electoral democracy, and what are the sources to get a budget well over 7 million Birr, she said public conferences for the citizens and workshops and trainings for the youth were in the pipeline to engage the society. As far as the budget is concerned, Bertukan said members bear the lion's share of the 7.3 budget, which is complemented by contributions from overseas supporters.

"We are a grassroots party. We have completed several studies on different issues, including how the country would overcome the recurring problem of drought and famine," Bertukan said, citing an example how comprehensive her party programs are.

Despite starting with a positive note, Bertukan also admitted that there were formidable challenges for her budding opposition party.

"There are deep-seated resentment, particularly over the failure of former Kinijit," Bertukan said. However, there is also widespread understanding that the only option we have is to correct past mistakes, build a party that is accountable for its actions, encourage the participation of all members, raise the trust of members in the leadership, and move on," the chairperson said.

"Yes, the political trend is very depressing. It is very repressive. In this regard, we have two choices: either to give up the fight, or face the challenge and move on. We've opted for the latter, and that is consolidate our struggle that would overcome the ruling party's draconian measures that could be worse that what we had seen before."

The chairperson said Andenet will exert efforts starting today that the next election would be free and fair. She also said the pressure was not only coming from the ruling party but also other opposition groups that splintered out of the former Kinijit party. She said a smear campaign has been running for long, but members have been making their own conclusion, and each party is taking its own way.

"We have trust in the power of the Ethiopian people. We have trust in our members. We have trust in our organizational strength and programs. We believe we can make a difference. Despite all our efforts, if the election is not free and fair, it is again up to us to take part or boycott the polls," Bertukan said.

Commenting on why her party is not that much heard over the areas ceded to Sudan, Ms. Bertukan said it was her party (through Mr. Temesgen in the parliament) that raised why Ethiopian territories were being given to the neighboring country.

Though the prime minister (Meles Zenawi) addressed the issue in parliament, it should be noted it was her side who brought up the topic that has angered many Ethiopians who have seen their country shrinking under the current Zenawi regime.

Concering the battle against the famine threatening millions of Ethiopians, Ms. Bertukan said her party has been voicing serious concern at every forum for the immediate emergency aid for the drought-affected compatriots. In fact, Bertukan said, our party had lodged a protest in parliament that citizens affected by hunger were not receiving adequate attention and help. But the issue didn't get the chance to be debated in parliament; all what we could do was to inform the media. "All said, Andenet has been and is doing its level best to address not only the current famine predicament but also how to achieve a lasting solution to the issue of hunger and famine, according to the chair of Andenet opposition."

Organized by Andenet North America support groups of organization, the briefing ended at 4:05 PM Eastern. Ms. Bertukan was speaking from Addis Ababa to a global online audience.