The head of the entity of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNP), Alemayehu Bawdi, assured at a press conference that the vote took place safely and according to plan.

During the 12 hours that it lasted, the people showed great determination and tolerance, cooperating with law enforcement to guarantee the success of this democratic exercise, Bawdi stressed.

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) carried out the voting in the areas of Gamo, Gofa, South Omo, Gedeo, Wolaita and Konso, and in the special districts of Derashe, Amaro, Burji, Ale and Basketo.

As recently reported by NEBE, “over three million citizens were registered to participate in the referendum and 3,752 voting centers were established.”

He also reported that the distribution of the necessary materials was carried out on time and the electoral officials, observers and members of the security forces “carried out a great preparation in order to guarantee the success of the process.”

Until now there are no reports of the number of people who attended the polls, nor preliminary revelations of the result.

jrr/llp/lam/raj