ADDIS ABABA – The previous year has seen ups and downs in Ethiopian politics. It seemed that politics has become polarized more than ever. As the country starts its unique New Year with hope and optimism, the leaders of major opposition political parties convey a message that they are ready to work for reconciliation this year.
Speaking to The Ethiopian Herald, Professor Merera Gudina, Leader of The Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) says the New Year is decisive in the quest to reach a national consensus.
Though achieving national consensus seems to be a difficult task, Merera says the government has to undertake the lion’s share of the work by discharging its responsibilities properly and widening the political space.
“The ruling party has to play a key role by keeping its promises. Opposition political parties, on the other hand, should execute their own assignments and lead their members and supporters to the path of peace, stability, and democracy. The public has to be patient to wisely identify which political party represents its interest the best.”
He also adds OFC is undertaking preparations to take part in the upcoming elections. “So far, we have made positive contributions to the country’s political discourse and we will continue to do so,” says Merera.
Chairman of the National Movement of Amhara, Dr. Desalegn Chane on his part says the very reason for the absence of national consensus in Ethiopian politics is the wrong political discourse and weak political understanding about the Amhara people in general.
“Especially, since the 1970s, the then generation has been considering the Amhara people as oppressors,” he says. “This is the wrong political discourse that discredits all the positive contributions the Amhara people have made for Ethiopia.”
For him, the very reason that hampers the process of national consensus is this wrong political discourse. “In this regard, NAMA is dedicated to change this discourse and contribute a key role in bringing about national consensus.
The people of Ethiopia need to stand together to lead the country towards development.”
Andome Gebreselase, Public Relations Officer of Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty holding all-around discussions is important to bring about national consensus and political parties and interest groups have to be ready to make compromises.
Arena has repeatedly shown its readiness to work for national consensus, he says adding “We believe that all of us have to equally take part in the political, economic and social affairs of the country,” he says.
“We have to make negotiations and work closely to make this year’s elections peaceful. We have to be ready to solve our problems and differences peacefully. The public on its part has to stay away from sensational issues. It has to be calm, work to fight unlawful acts and ensure that the country is stable,”Andom says.
Head of the Ethiopian Social Democracy Party, Professor Beyene Petros on his part says the ball is in the hands of the governing party to either narrow or widen the political space.
“I can say that the new election law has marginalized former political parties from the election process. We will struggle for the amendment of the new election law that limits the participation of political parties which have been contributing a lot in building democratic Ethiopia.”
The Ethiopian Herald Sept 12/2019
BY GIRMACHEW GASHAW
