Ethiopia monitors to probe rigging in polls

European Union election observers in Ethiopia are investigating complaints of irregularities, but say it was largely peaceful and calm. The opposition has complained of electoral malpractice, but the EU said the turnout had been encouraging. The ruling party of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is expected to win. The parliamentary poll is seen as a test for the country after the 2005 disputed election led to violence. The opposition may be citing irregularities but it knows it had little chance against the might of the ruling party machine, he says. Five years ago, Mr Meles had a shock as an opposition coalition came close to winning the election. Protests against the result led to almost 200 opposition supporters being shot dead in the streets and opposition leaders were detained. This time, there would be much debate as to whether the ruling party's certain victory is down to impressive efforts at developing the country or state harassment of the opposition, our reporter says. There were thousands of local observers spread out across the country although some in the opposition do not see them as neutral. The Ethiopian government banned foreign embassy staff from monitoring the poll. It did not see them as experts on elections and said it did not want diplomatic relations blurred. The European Union had 170 observers on the ground. Some 32 million people were registered to elect the 547 members of the lower House of Representatives, along with regional councilors who in turn choose the upper house of parliament. Ethiopia's electoral commission has until 21 June to declare the results.