The Ethiopian Electoral Board, through a press release it sent to Walta today, indicated that it has decided the referendum for the request submitted by the Sidama Zone for a regional status to be conducted on November 12, 2019.
It also indicated that the framework and budget necessary for the creation of conducive environment to conduct the referendum is sent to the Regional Council.
According to the framework prepared by the board, coordination of stakeholders, recruitment of 8460 executives and preparation of 1692 voting sites shall be undertaken since the end of this month.
Federal, regional and zonal and security bodies shall meet and consult on making the referendum peaceful and secure.
The status of the current regional capital, Hawasa, sharing of mutual resources and the rights of other ethnic groups living in the zone are also the issues to be taken into account during the coming months of preparation for the referendum.