Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) briefed members of the House of People’s Representatives in an extraordinary session of the House last Monday about the current situations of the country. He explained the achievements gained so far, the challenges the nation has encountered following the introduction of the reform initiatives and responded to queries raised by the MPs.
Abiy told the House that the nation’s reform has been gaining a firm foothold despite nonstop plotting of various political conspiracies.
He also reiterated that the sweeping reforms have stopped the country from tearing apart and brought viable economic and political changes in the country.
“No matter how difficult the challenges in this end, we are ready to face them and I am confident enough that we will overcome the hardships and become victorious,” he said.
In his response to the query raised on the forthcoming national elections, the premier told the parliamentarians that the elections would be held per the schedule of the National Electoral Board but in consultation with competitive political parties.
“Political parties could discuss on the elections day with the Board, but it is impossible to extend the day further than August 2020 since we have to establish the new government by September,” he said.
However, he said, the success of the coming elections requires the efforts of all stakeholders and every one’s genuine contribution.
That is true peaceful and successful elections cannot be realized by the commitment and determination of the government and the board alone. Rather, it requires the concerted efforts of all. By the same token, it is the responsibility of all.
Since 1995, Ethiopia has held a series of elections. But, all save one were sham and could not bring about the desired outcome. But even the 2005 general elections that was by far democratic than the others was in vain as Ethiopians have experienced a severe post-election conflicts and an introduction of severe repressive laws to them.
The bitter lessons Ethiopians have learnt from the 2005 general elections and consequences brought about as a result are good enough to shape the coming elections.
In fact, as the Premier stated in various occasions, even though, elections might not be entirely free from some challenges, the government has to do every effort to carry out free, fair, democratic and credible polls.
However, that would be attained only if competing political parties, civic societies, religious institutions as well as the general public and the international community join hands with the newly established National Electoral Board and work genuinely and wholeheartedly.
Every small effort each of us exerts can have a meaningful impact on the intended target and make the election successful. Every measure we take today can hugely impact our future- it can advance or set back country’s long-term democratic development, to sustain peace, realize a much improved and sustainable economic system to the betterment of all.
For Ethiopians, though it is impossible to going back to erase the past, there is still a chance ahead to make the future better. Thus, let us all participate for free and fair elections to make the 2020 Election successful, advance country’s long-term economic and democratic development and ensure prosperity.
The Ethiopian Herald February 5/2020
