The Executive Committee of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) concluded its regular meeting this week.

A number of different issues were on the agenda including directions for the necessary preparations for the 9th EPRDF congress which is due to be held this Ethiopian year. A team has been assigned to take charge of organizing the congress. Other matters included the upcoming local and Addis Ababa City Council elections, also taking place this Ethiopian year. The Committee has put forward workable directions on the actions necessary to make sure the elections will be free, fair, and democratic. These will create an even and level playing field that will allow the EPRDF to win the elections through genuine competition. The meeting also evaluated the status of efforts to support regional states to successfully accomplish the country's plans for this fiscal year.