Ethiopia's ruling party to organize candle vigil for peace

The ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) said it will organize a peaceful demonstration on Thursday in the capital Addis Ababa.

In a statement available to international media later on Wednesday, the ruling party said the public demonstration will be held with a view to expressing wish for the democratic and peaceful windup of the third national elections on Sunday.

Accordingly, the EPRDF called on residents in the 23 constituencies of the metropolis and those who support the EPRDF's peace initiative as well as beneficiaries of the constitutional order to take part in the candle-lit vigil ceremony to be held at their respective woreda (district) centers.

Observers say Addis Ababa is the stronghold of the opposition parties and the ruling party is trying its level best to snatch some more ballots from the supporters of the United Ethiopian Democratic Forces (UEDF) and the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD).

The two major opposition parties hope to end the ruling party's 14 years in power. They are very popular among youths, university students and business people in Addis Ababa.

More than 25.6 million of Ethiopia's 74.2 million people have registered to vote in the upcoming elections. Thirty-six political parties will contest places in the House of Peoples' Representatives, the lower house of parliament. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi-led EPRDF is widely expected to win a third five-year term in the world's extremely poor country, but observers say the ruling party's parliamentary majority may dwindle under challenges from opposition candidates. The EPRDF currently holds 481 of the 547 seats in parliament.

Voters will also elect representatives in nine regional state parliaments that appoint members of the 112-seat Council of the Federation, the upper house.

Ethiopia holds national polls every five years.