Ethiopian PM discusses reforms for a "free and fair" vote

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has promised that the next elections, scheduled for 2020, will be "free and fair"

The Ethiopian Prime Minister met Tuesday with dozens of opposition parties to discuss reform of the electoral system ahead of the national elections scheduled for 2020.

Since taking office in April, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has unveiled an aggressive reform program including a promise of "free and fair" elections after previous polls were tainted with allegations of fraud.

Last week, Abiy named former opposition leader Birtukan Mideksa as head of the electoral commission after returning from exile earlier this month.

In the 2015 elections, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) of Aby & # 39; s and its allies won all seats in parliament.

Tuesday's talks with representatives of 81 political parties are aimed at laying the groundwork for the talks to be chaired by Birtukan.

"The consultation aims to highlight the reforms needed to ensure that the next elections are free and fair, as well as the shared responsibilities of all," the Abiy office wrote on Twitter.

In power since the elimination of the Derg military junta in 1991, the EPRDF has been accused of uttering threats and arrests to quell the Ethiopian political opposition.

Abiy took office after the surprise resignation of his predecessor, Hailemariam Desalegn, whose mandate was shaken by more than two years of anti-government unrest that contributed to his downfall.

Seeking to appease protesters, Abiy has released imprisoned dissidents since taking office, prompting many opposition figures to return to Ethiopia after their exile abroad.