ADDIS ABABA – The House of People’s Representatives (HoPRs) has stated that the electronic consultation portal launched by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will promote inclusive participation in the law-making process.
The MoJ has introduced an electronic consultation portal dubbed: “E-consultation portal” designed to gather public input on draft laws submitted to Parliament.
At the launch event on Wednesday, HoPRs Speaker Tagesse Chafo said the electronic consultation portal allows the public and stakeholders to engage in the legislative process through digital means that overcome time and distance limitations.
He noted that the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government operate independently while collaborating in the ratification and implementation of laws, aiming to serve the public interest through effective law enforcement.
“Apart from discussions and public participation in draft proclamations submitted to the HoPRs, a system is also being developed to gather input from the broader community,” Tagesse added.
According to him, the implementation of Proclamation No. 1183/2012, the first of its kind in the federal administrative system of the country, which mandates public and stakeholder participation, demonstrates progress in this area.
He emphasized that to ensure the validity of laws; the HoPRs has been applying a manual law-drafting approach, while the MoJ has prepared a guide to facilitate public and stakeholder engagement in the process.
MoJ Minister Hana Araya-Selassie stated that the electronic consultation portal, a modern technology-based platform, offers several benefits for collecting input during the law-making process.
“To uphold the rule of law, it is essential to improve the quality, integrity, consistency, and accessibility of legislation. Achieving this requires a participatory drafting process supported by public consultation,” she said.
She described the electronic consultation portal as inclusive, well-structured, cost-effective, and accessible to all. Therefore, the platform is expected to support electronic governance and contribute to the goals of Digital Ethiopia.
Hana also noted that the MoJ is working closely with relevant institutions to enhance a justice system that is high in quality and trusted by the public nationwide.
The Business Environment and Investment Climate (BEIC) Project Team Leader, Alberto Gómez, stated that the electronic consultation portal is a key tool for encouraging citizen participation in the legislative process while ensuring quality public services.
He emphasized that such a digital platform will play an important role in improving the country’s international legal transparency, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), and supporting cross-border cooperation in legislative development.
The Ethiopian Herald has learned that the portal was developed by the MoJ in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation and Technology (MoIT) and development partners.
BY MESERET BEHAILU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 30 MAY 2025
