Here is a statement by FDRE Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) on the successful conclusion of the 6th general elections as translated from the Amharic version.
Today is a great day for all Ethiopians. For centuries, we have waited for democratic elections. The time to fulfill our aspiration has come. We have made it clear to the world that democracy is not just a mere wish for Ethiopia but part of its history. By establishing an independent electoral board, we have successfully conducted a credible and fair election in short period. Whoever is the winner of the election, Ethiopia has won today for the Ethiopian people turned out in masse to choose their representatives freely and without fear. Despite passing through trying times, Ethiopia has come out victorious on this historic day. Congratulations!
The history of Ethiopia wallows into two contradictory paths of sovereignties. Firstly, we have defended our country’s sovereignty from any foreign aggression for centuries. As a result, we were able to establish a country that has maintained its independence and has existed in dignity and respect. On the contrary, we have failed to ensure the sovereignty of public power. For this reason, our national existence have come under threats repeatedly.
We have had a repeated opportunity to change the course of our history. But we did not put them to use. History has now given us another chance to enter into a democratic system that offers the people a sovereign power.
The transition to democracy lies between a backward undemocratic path and a luminous hope for a new democratic move. The democracy that leads to our future goals can be built on an unshakable foundation, not by the forces we will use to fight back. By focusing on the new system, we will build and lay the blocks of democracy.
Dear Ethiopians,
The efforts made so far to nurture and sustain democracy have been successful. After we removed the system that we declared as a useless, we neither plant the democracy that we want nor nurture it accordingly. Owing to this, it was not possible to reach our destinations. Our struggles are always stationed in their beginnings rather than reaching to their ends.
Though we strive for democracy, we do not have any gut to care for the saplings of democracy. Understanding that no country can be a democratic one overnight, we must learn to stack one brick over the other so as to build the required democracy.
In this regard, realizing that this year’s Election is one of the most important steps in building democracy, our experience should be taken as a good starting point for future elections.
Distinguished competing parties,
You have endured all the pressures for this election to be successful and peaceful. You have played an important role in correcting and tolerating mistakes. I would like to express my respect. History will always remember your effort to lay the first brick together for our democratic practice which you committed recognizing that our country’s overall problems are complex and overlapping, as well as believing that elections are one way to solve our problems and not the only solution in itself. No matter which party wins the election, the process will be more democratic and peaceful than winning a single round of election. This is a significant step forward for our country as it will take our democratic practice one step further.
All security forces,
Since the outset, you have been demonstrating relentless commitment to establish peace and security for our country. From the day the election process began, you have been working to manage the recurrent challenges and maintain the peace and security for your society. At this crucial time, the sacrifices you have made to preserve Ethiopia’s sovereignty and ensure the sovereignty of its people will go down in history.
Lastly, I call on all political parties to sustain their cooperation for the peaceful process. With great respect, I also urge our people in all parts of the country to continue your good cooperation in making the peaceful election a success through sound communication with election coordinators and security forces. Concerning some constituencies where election has not been carried out for various reasons, it requires the best efforts of all parties to conduct the election according to the schedule set by the Electoral Board. Today’s achievement will reinforce the rest.
Dear the leadership and staff of the NEBE,
When you shouldered the responsibility to conduct this historic election, you were fully aware that the road would not be a bed of roses. Through bringing about an unprecedented practice; and building an independent election institution by overcoming challenges rolling in from various directions, you have made an amazing journey of extending credible and sustainable election institution. You have left your fingerprints in our democratic exercise as you have treated all contending parties equally and have put in place transparent practices to make the elections credible.
Media, observers, civic societies, and all partners,
Election officers, volunteers, observers, civic societies, media, journalists and others that beavered to make the election a success story, congratulations as the result is also due to your contributions. All entities that have taken part in making the election peaceful and democratic have left your fingerprints in our democratic system building. Ethiopia treasures countries and international organizations that have stood by its side in supporting the democratic transition when a few let it down.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
The Ethiopian Herald June 22/2021
