As the country is experiencing constitutional debate due to the delay in the elections following the COVID-19 pandemic, a political science scholar and a political party leader are insisting that priority should be given to long term issues of national interests and holding credible elections.
The arrival of COVID-19 could not have come at a more sensitive time for Ethiopia, which was due to hold pivotal elections in August after five years of political turmoil. On 31 March, some two weeks after authorities announced the first coronavirus case in Africa’s second-most populous country, the electoral board suspended preparations for the vote due to the public health risk.
The situation has resulted in divergent views among different political actors with varied interests regarding the issue.
Some politicians are calling for the establishment of a transitional government since elections couldn’t be held on time while others are calling for a constitutional amendment. Then again, others are calling that holding elections is a must regardless of circumstances.
Council of Constitutional Inquiry also held a public hearing with members of the Constitution Drafting Commission and experts who had roles in writing the present constitution.
Sisay Asemrie, Assistant Professor of Political Philosophy at Gondar University tells The Ethiopian Herald that the government has to handle internal issues very seriously. “Some tribal chiefs are acting as if they are running an autonomous nation and this has become common.”
Some political groups have also shown their willingness to trade national interests in exchange for narrow political gains, he said.
“Thus, the incumbent has to prioritize sovereignty of the country as the most sensitive national and regional agenda.”
Despite the fact that elections are an important component of the democratization process, there is no moral ground to hold elections at this critical time where health crisis is imminent, he added.
Hence, he said national security and the safety of the people should be the priority of the time, and then “we will be able to deal with the issue later on.”
Natnael Feleqe Communication Head of Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice Party says that postponing the election is a choice without an option due to a health crisis that the world is dealing with.
“It is important that we hold the elections when the public is in the state of tranquillity and inner composure,” he said.
As the country is aspiring to achieve a transition to democracy, elections are one of the most important parts of the process. According to Natnael however, it is impossible to hold free and fair elections as the time doesn’t allow the assemblage of the people to deliberate on issues that matter.
“The current global situation demands that we prioritize putting the global pandemic under control,” he said.
The Ethiopian Herald May 21/2020
BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU
