***image1:right***[Editor's Note: Last year, we brought you "The Hailesellasization of Isaias," a true drama based on the gushing groupie reporting of Hadas Ertra  and the embarrasaing toadying of the Gash-Barka administrator, Mustapha Nurhussein.  Today, once again courtesy of Shaebia.org (which, lest you forget, is the OFFICIAL website of the ruling party and, thus, the government), we present you the 2003 edition of the "Further Haileselassization of Isaias Afwerki" as chronicled by a nameless reporter and, once again, co-starring the Administrator of Gash-Barka.  Perhaps stung by our report, Mr. Mustapha Nurhussein is a bit more restrained in his accolades this time.   If you are a former member of Shaebia, you will say, "no wonder I left my front."  If you are in the opposition, you will say, "so what is new?"  And if you are a PFDJ supporter, you will find validation on why you continue to support the PFDJ.  In other words, this is an article that makes everyone happy.  Don't thank us; we just translated it; the credit all belongs to Shaebia.org.   Part 2 of this report, which will be published soon, will include Isaias Afwerki's justification for the mono party state.]

Shaebia Reportage PART 1

Meeting of the President With the Administrators and People of Gash Barka Zone
January 16, 2003
Source: http://www.shaebia.org/ (in Tigrigna) 

When we arrived on January 12 to an Agordat-late-morning, the town was adorned with flags [and] all private services that offer food and drinks, singing modern and traditional songs to receive their guests; we found it to be indeed a cozy town.

***image3:left***We guessed this was a prelude to what we were expecting later on. We have seen how all evolved: similar to a bee colony, the �gray-haired old and the young with a ring� were all mobilized to one task through their coordinating committee.

The chairman of the committee of the function, Mr. Mohammed Osman Idris said �let alone our leader whom we respect and see as a Queen Bee, a meticulous preparation for a function is needed even for those who were made to bear responsibilities by the people, the new administrators. Therefore, we are joining each other�s hands to perfect our festival�. He further summarized the less than five-days activities of the preparation as follows:

The committee was formed by the functionaries of the zone, coordinated with the Agordat sub zone committee to implement the task by forming four sub committees.

Beatification Committee (Decoration)

This committee was formed to erect a tent (Das) which would be comfortable and cozy for the guests and prepare to banners that will reflect the goals. As mentioned above, we arrived at [something] that looked like a natural and gracious shade which didn�t resemble anything man-made. In front of the guest seats there was a weighted slogan that read: �We will serve the people who gave us the trust with dedication and honesty�.

Guest reception Committee

The function of this committee was to prepare food, drinks and lodging for the approximately 600 guest who included President Isaias and commanders of the army. As mentioned, hotels were reserved and out-of-town guests did not have to worry about their sleeping, drinks or food.

Property Committee

This committee was entrusted to cater for the needs of the above-mentioned committees. This [committee] also was well prepared; and beyond that, it presented ample verities of plants and banana fruits by cooperating with the branch of the ministry of agriculture of Gash-Barka and with the Gash and Himbol agriculture institution.

Security Committee

This was involved in organizing the affairs of guest receiving. Its main task was to see that the function that was planned for the next day was carried out properly and in an organized manner. The preparation was made as mentioned above� we were looking forward to the next day, January 13.

Monday January 13.

***image2:left***At 9:30 in the morning, a helicopter landed in the plains south of Agordat. The door opened and the honorable President Isaias disembarked. The administrator of the Gash-Barka region, Mr. Mustapha Nurhussien, greeted him in a felicitous spirit by saying �welcome.� After the commanders of the army, among whom was General Filipos Weldeyohannes, offered the salute of honor, six trained horses and ten trained �Shelgyay� camels, whose long necks resembling that of an ostrich--which one looks to from the bottom as if looking to a high monastery--galloped on his left and right side and �welcomed� him.

After a short trip on a car, the president stepped down of the car and continued greeting the people who were lined on the right and left yearning for his arrival.

The people who were waiting represented sizeable ethnic groups and each one was saying his greetings in their language, in a way they saw fit, while moving their hands and their faces lit like a lantern. Above all, the dawn-bird-like ululation of the mothers took over all other sounds and changed the air into a happy and merry one.

Long after the people were already greeted by the president, they kept following him around:  maybe their longings [for the president] was not satiated. This stampede of people, without knowing it, became a public demonstration with a message: �Our leader and our people have one step and we leave behind one footprint�.

Let alone to those they considers their own, these people have shown even to arrogant foreigners that all they have to do is to take a brief look to believe that the people express their limitless love for this [president], whom is considered our own. To explain the love of every citizen to the president with the movement and word uttered by every citizen in expressing their love for him, and thereafter to explain and analyze what the word �love of a leader� means, it requires time and going through records [a job that requires extensive research].

In the middle of all that, I remembered something. As we know, during WW2, the whole of Europe was destroyed by wars. The country that was economically healthy, the USA, didn�t try to help its allies, the European countries, by offering food, technology or something that will improve the economy [of Europe]. Instead, it came to an understanding with the European leaders to offer help to raise the destroyed morale of the people through cultural renaissance. It did just that.

Regardless whether poverty and destitution clinged close or far, these people, based solely on mutual respect and trust, organized their stand and said, �we are here today; we will be here tomorrow and forever� and have proven that they pops from within the clouds when others consider them dead; they continue to live. What was witnessed in Agordat is a testimony and it is the bones and flesh of what was mentioned.

One of the mothers who continuously ululated is Weizero Saedia Ibrahim who said, �Today I am expressing my joy because I saw president Isaias whom I always was eager to see. My ululation is in his honor. Prior to this, I had seen the president in Sawa, but it was from a far distance and it was fuzzy. But today, because he passed greeting us my happiness is immeasurable. I hope those who were elected will follow his example.�  Having said that, she went to continue singing.

Mr. Mussa Hamid said, �When they told us the president is arriving, we didn�t stop for breakfast, we came here to receive our honorable guest and stayed here all morning. The presence of the president among us made us feel proud and dignified. We can't find ways to express our happiness.  All the cacophony that you see is to express our respect to our president�.

With that type of gracious accompaniment, the president headed to the tent that was prepared for him.

In the opening of the function, the Gash-Barka cultural group presented captivatingly nice songs. Then the chairman of the coordinating committee invited the chairman of the Gash-Barka election committee, Ato Tekea Keleta.

Ato Tekea Kelete presented the following summarized report:

��when it was decided that elections will be held, beginning September 24 to November 5, 2002, three meetings were convened by the zone administrator. The aim of the meeting was to prepare the documents for the election, to form the election committee of the zone and to discuss the election draft.

In the meeting, all administrators of sub-zones, branch heads of ministries, PFDJ authorities and organizations and heads of the Justice and Security entities participated. After repeated discussions and debating the presented draft election cards, necessary changes were made to the points that were thought to need improvements, and it was approved.

Later, a ten-member committee of the region, in collaboration with 14 committees was assigned logistical and security assignments, ballot cards were distributed, and budgets and facilities were allocated to all. Immediately after the preparations were finished, all administrations of sub-zones started their tasks.

Though the task in general was to conduct elections, it included registration, campaign and election mechanisms, I will present them in brief as per their accomplishments.

1-Registration process

The goal of the registration was to determine how many eligible voter citizens existed in each administration, surrounding or a zone so that it will be possible to present enough ballots and other requirements.

According to the plan, registration was carried in 14 sub-zones and around 150,000 people were registered. When this is seen in light of the  number of people who were expected to be registered (200,000), it represents 75%. The registered people in gender divide are,  57% women and 43% men. 

Part 3

[Editor's Note: "eNa atSe Isaias Political Pluralism anwedm!"  No, Isaias Afwerki did not say that; but he might as well.  In two previous issues, we gave you evidence of the concerted effort to transform Isaias into Haileselasse, using flunkies and groupie journalists.  In this "Shaebia reportage", Isaias Afwerki updates Musevinism and explains why democracy, Eritrean style, can only mean one party state.  But first, you must wade through detailed reports of the election farce: a political show where the parameters of who can vote and who can be voted for are decided by the only legal and guardian political party in Eritrea: PFDJ.   No free press, no independent observers, no competition.  Pity: this is completely contradictory to the ideals of the Eritrean struggle for self determination and PFDJ is following the path of all African liberation movements who brought their people independence and then denied them freedom.  It is up to the people to nip in the bud this PFDJ dictatorship, KeysaErere; once it takes root, it will be much harder to introduce real democracy.]
Source: http://www.shaebia.org/ in Tigrigna, January 16, 2003 

Reportage

Meeting of the President with the Administrators and People of Gash-Barka Zone

Mobilization Initiatives

The focal point of the initiative was to ensure that the people have the consciousness and knowledge about the law to enable them to elect earnest and able administrators.

Regarding the preparatory work, depending on the condition, in some areas mono-lingual services and in others, translations in the languages used were provided.  It is well known that the initiative was expedited using Arabic, Tigre, Tigrigna, Kunama, Nara and Hadareb.

Regarding participation, it has been ascertained that, zone-wide, over 90,000 people participated in the mobilization.  Of these, 53% are female and 47% male.    Compared to the number of people who were registered, we can understand that the participation level was 60%.

The primacy of the mobilization can be assessed as adequate.  Although command of language and ability to communicate intentions may vary between individuals, in all sub zones, the initiative was accompanied by a high sense of seriousness and spirit of responsibility.  Taking all the challenges and the shortcomings into consideration, one can say the initiative met expectations.

In contrast, one can mention that in some sub-zones, there were some meetings who showed inferior and less-than-expected results due to weak preparatory work, improper invitations and inadequate information.

Since the acceptance and results of the initiative are based on the outcome and the developments of the election, the degree of seriousness the people showed towards the initiative and the constructive input given during the meetings is tangible evidence of wide support towards the initiative.

Regarding the outcome of the initiative, because the people were attentive, the knowledge they acquired was reflected in the positive outcomes of the election. Thus, it can be concluded that the initiative provided a high level of aid and contribution to enable the people to elect their genuine representatives. 

Questions Submitted by the People 

Although many questions were asked and answers provided during the campaign, the most important and representative are the following: 

1. Taking into consideration the experiences we just went through, why are people whose ancestry is not Eritrean allowed to elect and be elected simply on the basis that they are citizens?
2. Why aren�t we allowed to elect able and trusted individuals who are mobilized in the armed forces to positions of administrators? 
3. Why don�t we vote for standbys, to fill vacancies in case of contingencies?
4. Why aren�t we allowed to vote for members of the National Assembly if they are capable of being administrators?
5. If there is an objection towards a candidate, why can�t that be an immediate cause for disqualification? 

Opinions That Were Provided 

• It would be nice if the written material can be provided in Arabic;
• We used to be displeased when the government used to appoint our administrators.   Praise be that we are at a moment when we elect our own administrators.   This is what we wanted; our wish has been fulfilled.   This meeting is our Second Independence.
• What we need is a citizen who stood for the people and the nation during the bad and hard times.  We should elect someone who will work for the unity of the people and the nation and is a fair administrator.
• We will exert all our efforts to ensure the success of this election. 

3. Implementing the Election   

Immediately after information about the ballot was provided, the process of nominating candidates and elections was enabled in every sub-zone. 

Discounting for the variation of the words used, the content of the language in submitting names of nominees and supporting them was similar.   To mention a few, the reasons provided to support and elect a candidate were:  

• Because he has fulfilled his national obligation, and contributed greatly to the national cause during the liberation struggle and the Weyane Offensives;
• Because he is free of regionalism and sub-national sentiments;
• Because he is capable and able to administer people;
• Because he is free of pilfering and corruption and is trustworthy;
• Because he likes to work and shows concern to the nation and the people;
• Because he gets along with and shows tolerance towards the people. 

In contrast, the reasons given for opposing [candidacy of an individual] and causes for a no-vote appeared to be: 

• Because he did not fulfill his national obligation; was working against the nation and the people during the armed struggle; during the Weyane offensives, abandoned the people and the nation by running and hiding;
• Because he is parochial and divisive and harbors chauvinist views towards women;
• Has no ability or capability to administer the people;
• Has bad character and does not get along with his surroundings;
• Is not trustworthy.  Has a habit of pilfering the property of the people and the government;
• Cannot even manage his family affairs and, thus, cannot possibly be qualified to administer us;
• Is focused on his interest; is uninterested in the concerns of the people. 

Using the above criteria, seven candidates were nominated for each office and 178 administrators and managers elected. 

4. The Budget Expenses and the Human and Material Resources Used 

Because the human and material resources used were those of the government, the people and associations, it is hard to use a financial estimate.    Nonetheless, the Zone provided approximately Nakfa 400,000 to deal with the inevitable exigencies.   Regarding human resources, because a great deal of the government, army and people in the Zone were allocated to it, it is hard to estimate the allocation.   One would find difficulties just in summing up the number of the people who were working in the various committees�suffice it is to say, and it is evidentiary true that all institutions and units of the governments participated. 

During the preparations, over 160 vehicles belonging to the government and the people were used.    Over 25,000 liters of fuel was used.   

From beginning to end, the plan, which covered 14 sub-zones, spanned 39 days.  Although the Zone Administration owned the project, its success can be attributed to the efforts and volunteerism of the government, the PFDJ and the associations; and, to a greater extent, thanks to the indefatigable members of the army, who are engaged in national defense and development, as well as our vigilant and enduring people. 

Of special note here is the role of our defense forces.   The answer to the question, �Had the army not been spread as it is now, what would have been the agenda of the election?� is, I think, clear to us all.  Thanks to its presence, the election was conducted without any security risks.    And the gaps in our human resources were filled without reservations. 

And although the zone administration was encumbered with the project, that the role played by the sub-zone administration was amazing and admirable was evidenced in the outcome of the project.  In the same vein, one should not leave the admirable role of all the committees unmentioned.   

Next to this is the subject dealing with the outcome of the election.  Considering the fact that this was a first, the outcome of the election was exceedingly pleasing.  What makes one even prouder is the high level of consciousness and maturity of our people.   As we have all noticed, elections are in many countries occasions to expose differences and accentuating conflicts.   The turmoil and disorder that arise during elections should not be underestimated.  Countries that suffer from the long-term effects of the turmoil are not few.   Amongst our people, the reality was the opposite.   Notwithstanding the nationality or background of the person elected, the people, with the exception of a few individuals, enthusiastically congratulated the winners.   For weeks, discipline, endurance, as well as patiently and attentively attending meetings that last five to six hours became the distinguishing characteristics of our people. 

In conclusion, on behalf of Gash-Barka Administration, I deeply thank all members of the committees; PFDJ Operations Zone 1 and 2; all branches of ministries and associations; the Ministry of Information as well as all those who contributed in making the endeavor a success.  

Next, the Administrator of Gash Barka, Mr. Mustapha Nurhussein, gave the following short address: 

��.after evaluating their stand during the armed struggle, the three Woyane offensives; their initiatives for the development of their zones; their relationship with the people; they have, in the eyes of the people, been found as capable and, thus, elected to represent the 555 thousand of our people in our zone.   Dear President, I like to assure you that they are equipped to listen to your words of encouragement, as well as your recommendation and advice so that they can put to practice the trust and responsibility bestowed upon them.   As they are elected at a time when see signs of peace and the Warsay-Yekaalo campaign is initiated, they carry an extra burden and responsibility and a heavy expectation is laid upon them to serve their people and their zone. 

��here, what requires special mention is the issue of women.   That only 6% of the administrators are women may appear little.  However, considering our recent past when we were talking about set-asides, that they competed to their capacity and reached this stage should not be underestimated.  Most of all, that 57% participated in the elections and that 14% were elected as managers of townships, is indicative of their progress and the future that awaits them.   This heralds that bringing the issue of women to the forefront can be achieved if women, specifically, and all of us in general jointly work for its success.   

��What ensues is to strengthen the administration of the outlying areas.  It is obvious to us all that just because the leadership of the zones is democratically elected there won�t be any more hardships.   In other words, it is to say that the setting the foundation for a strong administration and able administrators requires a lot of work and effort and it is one we are engaged in. 

� Foremost, to enable administrators to perform their duties ably, we are, within a short period, preparing to provide them training.   To exchange their experiences and fortify their knowledge, ceaseless attention will be provided to them.  To have capable administration, we will provide the necessary tasks facilitators.  We have given this a priority in our project. 

�Related to this, what I want to mention is that those of you who were elected, it is known that once people bestowed their trust on you, you have given your word to serve faithfully.   I would like to appeal to you to put into practice what you have given in word.    And because this is a people issue, it does not mean that once an election is held, it does not mean that everything will progress evenly; shortcomings will be there and it is the responsibility of the people to work closely and consult with the administrators.   Please follow the work of the administrators closely and, when mistakes are made, correct them promptly.� 

Next, Mr. Mustapha Nurhussein asked President Isaias Afwerki to address the elected officials and the invited guests.  The esteemed president provided the following address: 

�Foremost, I congratulate the Gash-Barka Aministrator, Comrade Mustapha Nurhussein, as well as to all the elected administrators and the commanders of the armed forces and the people, for the warm welcome and the big occasion.   Based not only on the updates we�ve been getting via the radio, newspaper and television but also on the reports of the election committee and the summary of the Zone Administrator, it is no exaggeration to state that it elevates our pride, enables us to meet future challenges and positions us to get closer to our goals. 

�The way Zone Gash Barka has concluded its elections is a step forward.  There is no doubt that this, coupled with the experiences of other zones, is something from which a big lesson can be gleaned.   I have no doubt that in addition to being a learning experience, it will also give an impetus to the development efforts that await us.   What has been explained before and what will be explained again is that our holding of elections has nothing to do with the issue of democracy.   In my view, seen historically or politically, once the people decided to struggle for liberation or freedom, they already opted for democracy.   And their struggle was to live free of domination and rulers.  When saying �struggle for liberation,� it means not only the eviction of rulers, but to live in a country where peace, serenity and tranquility reign.  And because they struggled for this goal, not for one or two years, but for thirty years, they were victorious.   And so, on the issue that we are talking about, to have or not to have an election, it should be understood that the fashionable discussion of whether it [the argument] is persuasive or not bears no close or distant relationship to our circumstances. 

�What we should note here is that without a cohesive, successful and interconnected participation of the people, it is not possible to call a process an election just because, in the name of participation, hundreds of groups who shun one another choose and send their representatives.  The participation of the people should be complete and, in the end, unified.   As ascertained by the experience of our liberation struggle, election is not new to us; it is something for which we struggled for a long time.  This is because at the initiation of the armed struggle, when it began to stumble and wobble; when manpower, time, and opportunities were lost, there was only one path to follow to reform it.   And that was: unless there is a unified and complete participation of the people, there can be no independence.   Independence cannot be assured while having one segment of society or people shunning the other.    And because this is not possible, it was declared that it is only when the people become as one and dedicate themselves fully that freedom will be achieved.  Based on this belief and path, we struggled for 30 years and achieved freedom.  This has taught us that what doesn�t have the unified and full participation of the people cannot succeed. 

�During this stage of construction, as well, the truth stands.   And the truth is to ensure the full and real participation of the people.    Observing that this requires building the required institutions, we have taken the initiative to better the foundations of the institutions; the successful elections at the lower levels have ascertained that we have taken one step forward,� he said, explaining that this first election will give momentum to our development.  President Isaias Afwerki told the elected officials of Gash Barka to believe that their zone is one that can accomodate big projects and to work diligently on this basis.   He wished them well in all their endeavors. 

Following this, after expressing their respect and their trust on the president and the administrator of Gash Barka, and having shared their opinions on what needs to be done, dignitaries of the Agordat sub zone pledged to be, as they have always been, on the side of their government and expressed their readiness to contribute whatever was needed to make the Warsay-Yeka�alo Campaign a success.   As a token of their appreciation, their presented President Isaias various cultural gifts.

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