Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ethiopia, the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has announced that it cannot execute the 6th round National General Election which was set to take place on mid-August this year due the hurdles the pandemic posed on preparatory works.
Heeding to the announcement of the Board the federal government and some political parties have decided to give priority to collaborate against the imminent threat of COVID-19. However some political parties have insisted that the Constitution never allows postponement of election and prolonging the incumbent’s tenure.
The controversy revolves around the need for constitutional interpretation. The political parties have divided themselves in to two camps whether there is a need for constitutional interpretation or not.
Democracy is a flourishing political culture in Ethiopia. After passing through many ups and downs it has reached to the current level. At least it is encouraging to see political parties forwarding their stance on constitutional matters freely while the government on power paves the way for discussion. All of them should build up on this positive development so that the people can benefit from a well thought, discussed and refined system.
Yet it is important to note that both the government and competing political parties must commit themselves to finally come to terms and work towards the good of the public rather than taking all available opportunities to make sure their personal victory over the other.
Solving the problem needs the whole hearted commitment and effort of all concerned bodies and parties. They should stop their blame game at least to save the country and the people.
The lower house has over the week approved a motion that the issue needs constitutional interpretation and directed the issue to the upper house. If the issue does not need interpretation there is no reason for political parties to cry out so loud and work to hamper the process of resolving the controversy through peaceful and agreeable means. The upper house would rule out if it needs an interpretation and would respond accordingly.
Nurturing the democratic system and safeguarding the constitution is the responisibility of all concerned bodies. Therefore competing political parties must understand the current situation of the country, and work flexibly towards the best interest of the people rather than rigidly confronting the government which has shouldered many unbearable burdens.
As the time goes by it is more advisable if all sides use each time and opportunity to think out of the box and take a historical action that can rescue the country from the unprecedented level of problem than making things more complex.
The Ethiopia Herald May, 9/2020
