Recently, the Council of Constitution Inquiry (CCI) conducted on a live televised and first kind legal experts’ hearing on the process of constitutional interpretation referred to House of Federation. The interpretation of the Constitution has been necessitated as the nation could not conduct the 6th general elections on time due to health crisis of COVID-19. As the existing constitution puts serious demand on the nation to conduct periodic election, interpreting it, according to the principles of the constitution, is a prudent solution.
More importantly, interpreting the Constitution in purposive and structural manner assuredly solves the current situation the country has faced as the constitutional interpretation is legally acceptable.
Excitingly, this is not only a sensible answer for the current circumstances but also a breakthrough in the country’s democratization process. And as the interpretation is to be done in a balanced manner taking all significant perspectives like intents of drafters and provisions set in the constitution, it fascinatingly encourages the constitutional transparency in the nation almost for the first time.
The authenticity of the process of the interpretation has succinctly been discussed by the stakeholders. This has enhanced the acceptance of the interpretation; hence, disregarding or rejecting it is considered as rejecting the constitution itself.
Conclusively, the idea of interpreting the constitution is a brilliant idea as it can solve any possibility of power vacuum allowing the incumbent government to be legitimate and stay in power so as to address current circumstances faced by the country and the public at large.
The other reason that makes interpreting the constitution a dazzling idea it can solve problems any political approach can handle. Particularly, the current problem of the nation cannot be without legal framework. In the course of the interpretation, both the political and legal issues can be resolved.
All in all, interpreting the constitution has been considered as a sound solution by experts and political parties for the current situation. Interestingly, almost all the stakeholders have appreciated its proposal from the outset. As proper procedures have been followed in the process of interpretation so far, it has to be brought successful ending and careful implementation.
The Ethiopian Herald May 19/2020
