There is no gainsaying that democratic institutions discharge a loafty responsibility towards the development of a democratic system in the nation. They are expected to be societies’ voices in fighting democratic and human right violations. The public always leans on their support pertaining to the observance of its rights.
Building a deep-rooted democratic system presupposes political, economic and social stability. The other big issue is creating citizens well imbued with the concept of a genuine democracy and building strong institutions which can serve springboards for a democratic system. One third of the 106 articles on FDRE’s constitution dilate on democratic and human rights. This can show that the aforementioned issues need more emphasis than other issues.
So, these democratic institutions under the wing of the federal government or states are expected to be stewards of freedom. These days, some instabilities are surfacing in different parts of the country. As such, lots of people are falling prey to internal displacement.
Lots of factors are attributable for this difficulty but overplayed ethnic politics and extreme citizen politics are the overarching problems as to Dr. Assefa Fiseha Federalism lecturer at AAU. In a discussion forum recently prepared by House of Federation under the theme “For the observance of Citizens’ right Building a Strong Democratic Organization,”, he had presented a paper.
The paper indicated that when citizen politics dominates in a multifaceted nation, it could affect identities and people’s cultural development. On the other hand, if ethnic politics dominates, the respect of citizens’ right could face set backs. It could also limit citizens freedom to move from one place to another. It as well could be a reason for people’s frequent displacement here and there.
He stressed that if both political systems are blown out of proportion, the nation with be stripped of peace. Overplayed, citizen politics and polarized ethnic politics will hurt the nation badly. So, there is a call for creating a situation that citizenship will not challenge ethnicity and vice-versa. As to him, it is better to balance them with the policy the government will come up with to control things.
As a solution, he recommended political parties to use the right mix. Similarly, Keriya Ibrahim Speaker of the House of Federation said that instability, lose of life and other difficulties are surfacing across the nation. Even if citizens’ right is clearly stipulated in the constitution it is not seen translated in to action. Because, democratic institutions are not playing their role to the required level.
To build a home-grown democracy on concrete bases and to achieve the expected goal, democratic institutions specially civic societies and professional associations have a great role. Governmental and nongovernmental organizations need to discharge their missions in a bid to achieve sustainable peace and ensure a democratic system, she added. Keriya said that to make democratic institutions vibrant and to see to the observance of citizens right, the higher government bodies like the legislative, executive well as the judiciary organs need to be supportive.
To create a robust democratic system in the country, democratic and human rights given emphasis on the constitution should be translated into action. Eshet Gebre, vice chief commissioner within human rights commission, said that some instabilities in the country can be done away with via the support of democratic institutions that deepen awareness on the constitution. To secure peace, our role should be carried out from teaching to implementing peace.
Kesis Belay Mekonin is from Oromiya ombudsman. He is of the opinion that democracy will not materialize in the absence of democratic institutions. The past human and democratic right violations had occurred because these institutions could not discharge their responsibility. During this reform, everyone need not downplay democratic institutions. So our role should be advising the higher management not to make mistakes and sparing the public from bad governance. Keeping peace is a basic thing.
The Ethiopian Herald, March 10/2019
BY GENET FEKADE
