
Almost all evidences indicate that Ethiopia is in a transition to a new era of democratic political pluralism. Although it is not the only indicator for full-fledged democracy, the country hosts more than 90 political parties some of which have already attained new nomenclature through mergers.
As I have stated in some of my pervious writings, both democracy and party politics are new trends in this country as all the previous regimes were repressive an undemocratic. This has prompted a social psychology of shifting blames on the past history of this country and capitalizing on past misgivings.
While a lot is going on in terms of ethnic politics, a new wave of Ethiopian nationalism is already surging with the local media in a state of limbo due to over politicization. Although not in absolute terms, the outputs of Ethiopian media vividly show that they are aligned with the ongoing political trend in the country. Information, misinformation, disinformation, agitation and lack of media professionalism are already becoming an obstacle to the development of genuine media networks serving the peoples of Ethiopia.
Some think that the current political multi-polarity is a manifestation of a nascent democracy in the country. Yes, but this is only partially true because democracy flourishes in tolerance and working on common denominators for the good of its people and the country and not by pausing a threat to a viable economic basis on which democracy can develop.
Standing on a quicksand today, Ethiopian politicians are busy worrying about the past history of the country with no knowledge of the future. No wonder the public is confused. The country is grappling with serious socio-economic problems which can only be solved by prioritizing the top urgent challenges the nation is facing.
Every political need to understand that politics is not only about election but is also concerned with mobilizing the public on the promotion of peace and economic development so that chronic unemployment among the youth can be reduced.
There should be a point of intersection or a common cause of concern among all political organizations in the country. Ethnic self-identity or democratic nationalism can prevail when every segment of the political system realizes that the country should come first.
Indeed the government is tasked with discharging its constitutionally designated responsibilities but it is impractical to assume that the government can do everything under the sun for this country. Despite all irregularities citizens and political parties should engage in constructive activities that can ensure peace in the country.
The maturity of the political order in this country will certainly be put to test in the national election to be staged after few months. When peace prevails in the election, every citizen is to benefit but when it is disrupted everyone becomes a loser.
Democracy entails the highest level of civic responsibility in which citizens respect the law not only because it is promulgated but also because it is vital for peaceful coexistence.
As stated earlier, Ethiopia is undergoing a transition that is accompanied with far reaching multiple sets of reforms which would ultimately determine its future. Smooth transition and inclusive political participation is the only viable path through which multiple challenges of this country could be resolved in a sustained manner.
Otherwise, the situation would precipitate into an unprecedented socio-political turmoil that could destroy the gains that the country has attained over several decades.Negative and disruptive political polarization could only create a vacuum in which situations could ripe for those who wish to see weak and balkanized Ethiopia.
In a country like Ethiopia, developing a culture of tolerance and replacing hate politics with constructive engagement is highly critical because the future of this country depends on common consensus on the major issues of the development of the country and not being tied down in endless polemics to no avail.
The current role of some media outlets in fanning divisive views is in no way in favor of creating a rapprochement and common understanding among political parties. The social media is already busy in accomplishing fifth columnist mission with no specific message either to the political parties or the public. Democracy certainly entails far more responsibilities to the well being of the country. In this sense, no party or any political organization should create confusion between party ideological lines and the basic needs of the country.
It is very important for competing political parties to ensure and work towards the safety and security in their capacity as the future competitors for power. The government needs to facilitate grounds on which the multiple political parties in the country can discuss on real issues and not simply ideology or engaging into political squabbling and fault finding among each other.
The Ethiopian Herald December26, 2019
BY SOLOMON DIBABA