The transformation of the EPRDF into a full-fledged single party is long overdue but better late than never. Media reports indicate that it is now preparing to get unified and become a solid party by incorporating affiliated political organizations which mainly constitute ruling parties in regional states in line with existing ethnic-based politics.
Some of its affiliates like the former Somali Peoples Democratic Party had actually requested merger in 2005. But the Front had then toned it down.
Senior EPRDF officials testify that though the affiliated parties were regarded as enrolled in the big tent, they had never been included in the decision making process of the front. What had been expected from them was just to execute the decisions.
From this, the resolution of EPRDF congress at Hawassa last year was right. The step will not only strengthen it as a political organization but also become instrumental in setting in a new political atmosphere in the country. The transformation of EPRDF by the merger of the founding parties of the front with its affiliated political organizations would also set a vivid example for other political organizations to follow suit.
But with a national election on the horizon, the front is required to complete its merger and unification in a blitzkrieg speed.
All the more, the front needs to be engaged in political self-rectification so as to correct some of the shortfalls it has suffered. In my opinion, for example, the party was suffering from lack of solid organizational disciplinary measure particularly in taking swift measure against corrupt and incompetent members. It was also suffering from inner front democracy, which was put into test on several occasions for the last three decades.
Transforming into a party provides ample opportunities for the front to address basic socio-economic problems of the country while taking specific regional needs into consideration.
Sooner or later, the front which is under reorganization is likely to disclose its ideological-related program. For me, for example, there is no problem with its “revolutionary democracy”. But such democracy should aim at democratic Ethiopiansim and socio-economic equity.
Though there was some economic development over the past three decades, it was equally undermined by corruption. On the other hand, the political demagoguery that was rampant in the front had seriously affected the front’s relationship with the public. In fact, attempts were made by the front to meet public demands over the last couple of decades, though growing demands every time led to ethnic based conflicts and internal displacements.
It is at this backdrop the front is taking steps to form an inclusive political party. This will set a historic platform which would enable the front serve in the best interest of the entire peoples of Ethiopia.
A party is governed by a single set of party rules that members should stick to. Members are required to reflect the values cherished by the party instead of their own desires or whims.
Apart from preparing itself for transition, the EPRDF led government is also expected to provide necessary supports for competing parties. As the chairperson of EPRDF, who is also our prime minister, has time and again stressed that the upcoming election is expected to be fair, credible and transparent and EPRDF is expected to set an example in this respect.
EPRDF congress’s decision at Hawassa is far more important in shaping not only the future of EPRDF but also the political culture in the country. Hence it is very important to disclose its intents to the public than waiting for the upcoming elections than using them as campaign chips.
The step taken by the Front has already been gaining commendable supports from its affiliates and other parties. The good news is that a number of countries have also provided financial support to NEBE.
Compared to a party, a front might be politically amorphous in the sense that slackness on the adherence to organizational discipline may not be expected. But once EPRDF becomes a unified party, it will hopefully be in a better position to fight corruption, be elected or not.
No doubt, the coming election will be a litmus paper for EPRDF in the sense that the entire political ideology and the reform program itself will be put into test. The next seven months are indeed decisive not only for EPRDF but also for all competing political parties in the country.
The Ethiopian Herald October 16, 2019
BY SOLOMON DIBABA
