BY MENGESHA AMARE
Shouldering the task given to me in connection with the inaugural ceremony of the Burie Integrated Agroindustry Park and Belayneh Kindie’s Phiblela Industrial complex, I did go to Buire town in Enjibara zone of Amhara state.
Being in a dire need of taking coffee, I happened to a certain café at Kosober at around half past five to quench my thirst. Sitting against my seat, three students, a girl and two boys, were talking about subject matters related to their studies loud taking cups of cappuccino.
All of a sudden, something sprang into my mind and I decided to pose finger counted questions in relation to the upcoming Ethiopian elections on the three youngsters. I was very eager to figure out what does the new generation’s outlook look like about their country. Surprisingly, I could garner a number of concepts about elections from the students and they made me happy. It is not surprising, of course, as they are studying at senior classes though interrupted for various reasons.
Cognizant of the fact that the country is going to open a new chapter via conducting credible elections, this writer approached the youth with a view to listening to their heartbeats regarding the election and their expectations.
One of the students whom I approached for comment was Belsty Lake, 12th grader. He said that the country has to work hard to refurbish its reputation via conducting a free, fair and credible election and coming up with democratic governance.
“As I learnt from the civics and ethical education lessons, the past elections were full of controversy and manipulation by the ruling party. As a result, TPLF-led government came to power without a competitive election, and most of the national and international election observers including media outlets consider that election as unfair and the government is suffering from lack of legitimacy. This picture has to be obliterated and a new chapter for us needs to be opened,” he said.
Responding to the question, ‘what, do you think, needs to be done, to contain post-election clashes, if any,’ he said both the ruling and contestant parties principally the general public should reinforce election violence monitoring mechanisms and supporting deployment of a security forces mission. Senior envoys should also be appointed to facilitate resolution of political disputes and party leaders should be curious in teaching supporters and members, to comply with legal procedures.
The scenario has to be made conducive for opposition parties not to face harassment and intimidation from police and the ruling party’s adolescence annex and appear to be choosing to respond to violence with violence.
As to Belsty, although an electoral framework endorsed by the concerned authority, NEBE, is in place, few opposition parties are still heard of complaining that they could hardly operate freely. This fashion has to be reversed, if they are right. Besides, civil society organizations and some media shouldn’t be harassed for denouncing the ruling party’s authoritarian tendencies.
As learnt from him, inclusive elections provide equal opportunities for all eligible citizens to participate as voters in electing their representatives and as candidates for election to go office. This right to participate is a broad concept and can only be subject to reasonable restrictions provided by law.
According to Belsty, the government must take steps to assess and remove any barriers to the participation of all citizens regardless of ethnic, religious or linguistic minority as well as persons with disabilities. Reasonable restrictions on participation should be narrow, like a minimum age for voting and standing as an electoral contestant.
Undeniably, Ethiopia has been endeavoring to leave its disgusting election image, but wrenches may rise ahead of elections. They have to be well handled to ensure the credibility of the election process and pave avenue for democracy in the country.
After a firm commitment has been shouldered by the ruling party, now prosperity, especially in the aftermath of the reform, a consensus has been reached on an Independent National Election Board (NEBE) and a new electoral code.
Besides, preparations have been finalized on the side of the government as the Board is relentlessly working to help the nation hold fair, free, credible and democratic elections.
Responding to the questions ‘what is credible and free election for you,’ Alemayehu Tsegaye, an 11th grader said, “Ballots are free, credible and see-through when each step is open to scrutiny, and stakeholders can independently verify whether the process is conducted decently and truthfully.
The principle of transparency, for instance, is linked to the fundamental right of citizens to seek, receive and impart information as well as the right to take part in government and public affairs.
He further commented that decision making processes must be open to enquiry, and reasonable opportunities for public input should be provided. Of course, information relating to all stages of the electoral cycle must be made available and accessible to citizens, including electorates and contenders.
Unprejudiced and partisan observers should be attributed to observe all phases of the election process and be endorsed to comment publicly on the process free from unreasonable ceiling.
According to Alemayehu, if Ethiopia is to conduct credible elections it should allow unfettered monitoring by impartial, non-partisan election observers.
It has also to prevent voter intimidation and violence by extremist and other groups before, during, and after the elections with a view to ensuring access to accurate electoral information.
“In Ethiopia every citizen over the age of 18 is entitled to vote. An election is considered ‘free’ when citizens can decide whether or not to vote and vote freely for the candidate or party of their choice without fear or intimidation,” said Alemayehu.
Meseret Lake, learning in the same class with Alemayehu, on her part said that all electoral stakeholders, including the government, election administration bodies, political parties, candidates, security forces and even observers are duty bound to work hard to help the nation come up with free, fair, credible and democratic elections.
She further explained that elections are a key mechanism through which citizens hold their governments accountable, but there must also be accountability within election processes themselves. Equally, there must be timely procedures to bring to account those who conduct criminal acts that affect electoral-related rights.
She said, “Elections can also be competitive when citizens have reasonable and equitable opportunities to compete to be elected to governmental offices. Political competition is a central component of elections that truly reflect the will of the people.”
It is repeatedly heralded that the government is ready to provide support and technical advice as requested by the board to ensure free, fair and credible elections that win the public’s trust.
“Appropriately conducted elections can re-energize the political system and build public confidence via providing the people with a valued voice thereby realizing their aspirations for better representation,” said Messeret.
It is the responsibility of the government, parliament, political parties and other stakeholders to jointly ensure free, fair and credible elections in a conducive environment that places the interests of the country above all other considerations.
“All citizens of the country are confident that all political forces wish to see Ethiopia emanicipate from its crunches and thrive. These elections must be Ethiopia-led and Ethiopia-owned ones,” Meseret underscored.
The local, state, and federal officials, the National Election Board of Ethiopia as well as the entire society should work hand in glove to fundamentally come up with a peacefully conducted election process and ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote by effectively communicating about voting procedures, making various voting options readily available and accessible, and adopting additional measures as needed though this is the prime homework of NEBE.
In sum, election atmosphere has to be participatory and help ensure the right to vote without discrimination or discriminatory effects, protect the right to health while voting and during election-related activities as well as provide prompt review, appeal, and remedy for voting rights violations.
By and large, international observers, concerned human rights bodies and others should monitor the situation in Ethiopia during the election period and be prepared to speak out in support of basic privileges.
They should not prematurely endorse an election result, which could have political ramifications as the roadmap to safe and credible elections can be found in respecting all legal moves.
The Ethiopian Herald 13 February 2021
