Recently, Abbaa Gadaas have suggested that political parties ought to draw lessons from the values of Gadaa system as they are approaching the forthcoming election for the system consists of time-tested values that encourage peaceful power transfer and coexistence.
These days, Ethiopia is planning to conduct election this year despite the fear of some politicians who says the election might be accompanied by conflicts.
Indeed, Gadaa System being the traditional democratic system of governance used by the Oromos is endowed with democratic principles that ensure fair, periodic and free elections. As the system allows generation segments (known as Gadaa classes) that succeed each other every eight years in assuming political, military, judicial and legislative responsibilities, a leader begins or ends the term with a formal power transfer ceremony. It is certain that drawing lessons from this system will have a tremendous, positive influence in the coming election.
Unfortunately, most of the time African countries’ constitutions are based on western philosophies overlooking their own indigenous system. This inevitably causes a number of constraints for the western thinking are irrelevant to our culture. The solution is treasuring and effectively using our own indigenous knowledge.
More importantly, it is wise to realize that our indigenous knowledge would be more effective and efficient than what we often import from abroad. And a number of scholars who have studied Gadaa testified this truth.
For instance, Prof. Asmarom Legesse wrote, “Gadaa is one of the most astonishing and instructive turns the evolution of human society has taken” while the late Donald Levine said, “Gadaa is one of the most complex systems of the social organization ever devised by the human imagination.”
Very interestingly, “We receive power with blessings, we lead with blessings, and we give our power to others with blessings,” is the strong verse memorized by the Oromo leaders.
This verse underscores that the elected leaders are meant to serve their people with utmost commitment, integrity, and humility. Unquestionably, this can be a prudent lesson for the political leaders who are preparing themselves for the forthcoming election.
What is very remarkable to pay attention to is no one ascends to power without consent of the people. It is taboo if one does this, and he will be considered as an outcast because of his or her violation from the norm provided by the Gadaa. This totally closes any room to arrogant leaders. Hence, drawing lessons from the Gadaa System enables politicians to refrain from conflicts.
The other lesson political leaders ought to learn is the inclusiveness of the Gadaa System which is a unifying system irrespective of any preconditions. Fascinatingly, this feature of the system plays an irreplaceable role in managing conflicts.
All in all, the Gadaa System is endowed with democratic principles that promote fair, free and periodic elections. It plays exceptional roles in managing conflicts and encouraging peaceful power transfer and coexistence. Thus, our political leaders ought to draw lessons through exercising these principles that have ageless significance in the coming election.
The Ethiopian herald January 14/2012
