Human rights group says Ethiopian election marred by repression and intimidation

Rights group: Ethiopia vote marred by repression

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — An international human rights group says Ethiopia’s national election was marred by repression and intimidation.

New York-based Human Rights Watch said Monday that international observers should condemn Sunday’s parliamentary vote because of pre-election irregularities.

Opposition officials also have complained of vote-rigging and intimidation.

Government spokesman Bereket Simon said the election was fair and transparent.

European Union observers will release a report Tuesday with details of the irregularities that were reported to them.

Analysts have predicted an easy win for the ruling party led by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, a U.S. ally now poised to enter a second decade of power.