In the long history of Ethiopia, the country has gone through a lot of hiccups, ups and downs and challenges that tested its existence as a united country. But its citizens always overcome them through their relentless commitment and struggle.
The country survived internal and external wars, widespread drought and famine, pandemic, civil wars and the likes. However, despite all the difficulties, Ethiopians always manage to conquer the situations and sustain their unity and survival. In fact, it has become almost a tradition that it is right at these moments when the country faces national threats and challenges that Ethiopians become united and stronger to withstand them.
On the other hand, history tells us that it’s not all Ethiopians who stood in the spirit of patriotism whenever the country faces troubles. In fact, few preferred to take the role of a villain, and conspired against the very survival and interest of their own country. As there are people who always take a bold stance to protect the unity of the country, there are always forces that opt to divide the country, prioritizing their narrow interests ahead of country.
Today, at the time when COVID-19 and other issues are testing Ethiopia’s resilience, we are also witnessing these same tendencies. Coupled with the immature political tradition, these tendencies of few are posing a threat to Ethiopians ability to withstand the challenges.
While the COVID 19 pandemic is posing a threat to the whole world, the additional confusion that our politicians are inflicting in relation to the sixth general election is aggravating the problem.
Besides being a health risk, coronavirus is significantly damaging and exerting huge pressure on the economic, social and political life of the country. This is not surprising; even the developed countries are feeling the pressure. They are forced to see lockdown as a viable option and this, in turn, is posing significant socio-political and economic repercussion effect.
Hence, in a developing country like Ethiopia, it is easy for anybody to predict the consequences of a pandemic of this scale. And any kind of political crisis would add fuel to the already alarming scenario.
True, in this modern-day, election is the only way to constitutionally hold onto power, and power is for the people. Hence, it is the people who should decide who gets hold on to power. And for the people to decide on a matter that would affect their lives for the coming five years, they need to be in stable state of mind. But this is not the case.
That is why some claim that it is not right for politicians to be in hurry to conduct elections at a time when the pandemic is having a significant psychological impact on the people. The claim by some parties that govern some states that they would hold the elections is wrong, not only legally but also morally. The challenge that the coronavirus is posing is too huge by itself. It is not right to cause yet another pain to the people. This is high time for politicians to start thinking about the long-term stability and interests of the country.
The Ethiopian Herald May 14/2020
