Medrek

Medrek (officially the "Forum for Democratic Dialogue in Ethiopia") is an Ethiopian opposition political coalition founded in 2008 which contested the Ethiopian general election, 2010. In that election, Medrek won a single seat in the Council of People's Representatives, representing an electoral district in Addis Ababa.[1] This was allegedly due to lack of election transparency. Medrek won 30% of the individual vote nationwide but it received only one seat in parliament because of Ethiopia's winner takes all system for each constituency.[2]

The coalition was formed in 2008 by four parties and 2 politicians:[3]

In December 2009 Medrek was joined by the largest opposition party, the Unity for Democracy and Justice, led by Birtukan Mideksa.[4] Medrek supported liberal democracy and a federal Ethiopia as well as making Afan Oromo the co-official language of Ethiopia alongside Amharic.[5]

For the 2010 elections, they listed eight constituent parties, including three parties that had been part of the UEDF:[6]

The coalition was led by Bertukan and its chairman is Merera Gudina.

References

  1. ↑ Xan Rice, "Unease over extent of ruling party's landslide in Ethiopia", The Guardian, published 26 May 2010 (accessed 10 June 2010)
  2. ↑ Ethiopia Faces Era Of One-Party Rule
  3. ↑ Opposition holds "Forum for Democratic Dialogue in Ethiopia", Sudan Tribune, 2008-07-03
  4. ↑ Bertukan Mideksa’s UDJ joins Medrek (an alliance of OFDM, OPC, ARENA, UEDF & SDF), Gadaa, 2009-02-11
  5. ↑ Medrek announces Afan Oromo as second Official Language of Ethiopia
  6. ↑ Medrek on Democracy, Economy, Federalism, Assab, Education, Health
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