Coalition for Unity and Democracy
[6] As of October 2006[update], most of the leaders of the AEUP subparty remain imprisoned, awaiting the outcome of their trial that has spanned nearly a year starting from their arrest.Porous roofs, cramped conditions, extreme temperatures have all contributed to the numerous emergency room visits that the main leaders of the party have experienced.[8] Engineer Hailu, a leader of the AEUP, was one of the ministers working for the previous Ethiopian Derg regime led by Mengistu Haile Mariam.[13] A major issue arose when even the closest people to Hailu rejected his stance and wanted to take their parliamentary seats instead of joining the banned protests that turned to riots.The Walta Information Center reported 9 October that the CUD lost its legal life with the conclusion of the 2005 election, and is no longer accredited as a political party.Although a number of members of the Ethiopian Parliament still possess identification cards issued by the CUD, National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) deputy head Tesfaye Mengesha stated that this does not guarantee eligibility.Tadesse said "Ethiopians have never been divided on the issue of the sovereignty of the country, and the stand of the CUD group led by Temesgen and some opposition parties has failed to prioritize national interest.[21] According to the government and the mediator elders, the CUD prisoners signed an apology letter admitting partial responsibility for the post election violence and promising not to use unconstitutional means for any political aims.Hailu Shawel 1st Vice Chairperson: Birtukan Mideksa Secretary: Muluneh Eyuel Executive staff: Abayneh Birhanu, Abdurahman Ahmedin, Akalu Gergrie, Hailu Alemayehu, Befikadu Degifie, Dereje Amensisa, Elala Tezera, Major Getachew Mengistu, Eng Gizachew Shiferaw, Leniesil Asfaw, Mulalem Tarekegn, Mesfin Ayalew, Seleshi Tena, Shimel Tekletsdik, and Yakob Hailemariam In a recent[when?]