Ethiopia Extends Voting Time Due to High Turnout

The Ethiopian national electoral board said on Sunday evening that the parliamentary elections due to end in the afternoon have been extended by three or fours hours in some areas because of a high turnout.

"The election is scheduled to close at 6 p.m. (1500 GMT), but voters, especially in Addis Ababa, lined up in long queues waiting to vote," said Getahun Amogne, an official with the electoral board.

"We're extending voting time in many areas three to four hours, so all voters will be given the chance to vote even after the official close time," Getahun told Xinhua, stressing that no voters will be denied their rights to vote.

Xinhua

Photo Courtesy: (AFP/Marco Longari)
Ethiopians queue outside a polling station in the poor district of Addis Ketema, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi banned all demonstrations in greater Addis Ababa and assumed direct control of the capital's security forces after elections the opposition had threatened to boycott over claims of widespread fraud.(AFP/Marco Longari)