BY DIRRIBA TESHOME –
In the last three years, Ethiopia has been working effortlessly to pave the way to peace, stability, democratic system, unity and prosperity.
In this course, it has faced confusion, frustration and despair in all aspects. There has been unrest in some parts of the country, rumors, deaths, displacement and persecution. The forces of destruction have challenged the peace and unity of the people in an organized and unified manner both internally and internationally to endanger the nation at their best efforts.
Conversely, the government has been taking a lot of commitments enthusiastically to construct projects that have been inaugurated at this stage. Performing best within these critical problems is a gift given to only a few that the current government of Ethiopia led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has proven.
In addition to these, the Sixth Ethiopian National Election is one of the most important issues for which Ethiopia is made an agenda in the world. Special attention has been given to the sixth national election in our country, as it is being prepared for an election that could be an archetypal of a democratic election. The government is determined to do so by establishing an independent Electoral Board. Independent democratic institutions and the judiciary are well organized.
Efforts have been made to make the election democratic, free and fair elections although the forces that want to hate democratic elections in the country have been trying to discolor and to disrupt the process, both internally and externally.
For Ethiopia, I believe, election is an important issue to augment the national unity, peace, justice, security and prosperity of the nation. It is also a key way to practice democracy, to be governed by the party and government of our choice besides pulling out Ethiopia from the current crisis. Therefore, for the success of the election, all reasonable and mature Ethiopians must work together and exert all our responsibilities during and after the election.
The courage seen in conducting the voter registration according to the voter registration schedule set by the Electoral Board is one of the ways to ensure a democratic election in our country. This has been done successfully.
As well, most of the competing parties have complied with the country’s law and the Electoral Board has registered the parties in accordance with the rules and regulations. As a result, the public at large has officially known the number of competing political parties in the state and the council including those who are running for office.
In the same way, from April 8 to yesterday, the political parties have been airing and advocating their election campaigns and programs to promote their cause to the electorate. They have been promoting themselves in various forums and squares as they have found and have mobilized their supporters freely. This was a peaceful and successful time. This Monday, June 28, 2021 is when the election will take place and the electorate will vote. All Ethiopians who have registered for it are expected to hold this exciting and world-expected election peacefully.
However, there are forces trying to disrupt the elections in various ways to prevent Ethiopia from becoming a strong nation through enhancing the formation of weak government. For this reason, working for Ethiopia to win the election must be a national duty of all citizens beyond a political party’s concern.
On one hand, although the government plays an important role in the election process, government’s hard work alone will not yield results. Therefore, in order to make the election peaceful, democratic and acceptable to all, everyone must make own efforts and accomplish accountabilities respectively. To this end, the people, the competing political parties and the government have to fulfill their responsibilities.
Likewise, recognizing that the peace of the country is paramount, the people must go to the polls and cast their ballots in order to win the election in a peaceful manner with a watchdog position against those with evil plans. We need to work hard to make the election as civilized and democratic as possible with the intention of establishing the democratic system we have been striving for.
The first thing that is expected of the electorate is to go to the polls without indulging the card. At the same time, it is important to be vigilant, cooperate with the security forces and work together for the peace enhancement throughout the nation.
Correspondingly, competing political parties also have a great responsibility to ensure the peaceful conclusion of the elections in our country. Regardless of the election or the process, it is important to refrain from provocative speeches, and to accept the results graciously after the election. You need to be prepared for that.
Equally, another major national responsibility falls on the government. It has a duty to uphold the sovereignty of the country, the peace and the security of its people. To fulfill this obligation, it must work hard and be an eagle in every direction. At last, whatever the outcome may be and whoever wins, it is the nation and the people that must be considered and heralded. Leadership can only be achieved when there is peace in the country. We can only achieve the democracy we want if we have a country.
Consequently, now our main goal in the election is to work for the victory of Ethiopia. It Ethiopia wins, we will win the election. Then the internal and external enemies will be ashamed of the failure of their evil deeds. Therefore, recognizing that the election is a victory tool for our country, we must all do our part properly for Ethiopia to win.
The Ethiopian Herald June 18 /2021
