I 
109TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. R. 935 
To urge the Government of Ethiopia to hold orderly, peaceful, and free 
and fair national elections in May 2005 and to authorize United States 
assistance for elections-related activities to monitor the Ethiopian na-
tional elections. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
FEBRUARY 17, 2005 
Mr. HONDA (for himself and Mr. ROYCE) introduced the following bill; which 
was referred to the Committee on International Relations 
A BILL 
To urge the Government of Ethiopia to hold orderly, peace-
ful, and free and fair national elections in May 2005 
and to authorize United States assistance for elections- 
related activities to monitor the Ethiopian national elec-
tions. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Free and Fair Elec-
tions in Ethiopia Act’’. 
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Relations between the United States and 
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia have 
improved significantly over the past decade, al-
though human rights concerns remain. The Govern-
ment of Ethiopia has cooperated with the United 
States on a range of efforts, including combating 
global terrorism. 
(2) In 1995 and 2000, the Government of Ethi-
opia organized and conducted local, regional, and 
national elections. In 1995, some opposition parties 
boycotted the elections, despite offers and support by 
donor governments, including the United States, to 
help ensure free and fair elections. Opposition par-
ties, including those operating outside Ethiopia, have 
a responsibility and duty to play a constructive role 
in building democracy in Ethiopia and to engage the 
Government of Ethiopia in peaceful dialogue. 
(3) The Department of State, in its most recent 
country reports on human rights practices, deter-
mined that ‘‘the 2000 national elections and the 
2001 regional elections [in Ethiopia] were generally 
free and fair in most areas but were marred by seri-
ous irregularities, including killings, disappearances, 
voter intimidation and harassment, and unlawful de-
tentions of opposition party supporters, particularly 
in the southern region. 
(4) The Government of Ethiopia demonstrated 
its commitment to holding democratic elections in 
the 2000 parliamentary elections because of its will-
ingness to re-run parliamentary elections in 14 con-
stituencies in which elections irregularities were re-
ported. 
(5) It is critical that the Government of Ethi-
opia, donor countries, and civil society offer an ex-
tensive and comprehensive civic education in order 
to prepare and educate the people of Ethiopia about 
their democratic rights and duties. 
(6) The Government of Ethiopia should ensure 
the safety and security of opposition party officials 
and prosecute and punish those local and regional 
officials engaged in harassment and intimidation of 
opposition party officials. 
(7) Mass media, including radio and television, 
remain under the control of the Government of Ethi-
opia. The decision of the Government of Ethiopia to 
issue radio broadcast licenses to private entre-
preneurs is encouraging. Independent and private 
press, especially radio and television, are key to de-
mocracy and transparency. The decision by the Gov-
ernment of Ethiopia to engage the opposition in a 
constructive dialogue to resolve issues related to the 
upcoming elections, including access to the media by 
the opposition and reform of the electoral board, 
should be commended. 
(8) The decision by the Government of Ethiopia 
to allow international elections observers contributes 
to a more free and fair elections process and should 
be commended. 
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS. 
It is the sense of Congress that—
(1) the Government of the Federal Democratic 
Republic of Ethiopia should hold orderly, peaceful, 
and free and fair national elections in May 2005 in 
order to ensure the long-term growth and stability of 
the country; 
(2) it is critical that the elections are deemed 
by the people of Ethiopia as free and fair and pro-
vide the winner of the election a clear mandate to 
govern the country; and 
(3) the Government of Ethiopia and opposition 
parties should continue their constructive dialog to-
ward resolving elections-related issues.
SEC. 4. ASSISTANCE TO MONITOR THE 2005 NATIONAL 
ELECTIONS IN ETHIOPIA. 
The President, acting through the Administrator of 
the United States Agency for International Development, 
is authorized to provide assistance on a grant basis to non-
governmental organizations for elections-related activities 
in order to monitor the May 2005 national elections in 
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and assess 
whether or not these elections are held on a free and fair 
basis. 
SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There is authorized to be appro-
priated to the President to carry out this Act $10,000,000 
for fiscal year 2005. 
(b) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts appropriated pursuant 
to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (a) 
are authorized to remain available until expended.
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