BY ALAZAR SHIFERAW –
For the last three years, Ethiopia has been engaged in a reform process; establishing democratic institutions thereby to expand political landscapes which intends to exercise the broad concern of democracy as a culture, establish a government rule of the majority.
Hence, exploring through and examining the contribution of democracy to the country’s development has an immense benefit. It widens public participation in political affairs of the country.
Meaningfully, the 6th round election is a pioneer in democratization process in Ethiopia. The exercise enables voters to choose their representatives to hold public office. Indeed, election is the main activity and a showcase in exercising the establishment of democratic and elected government.
Truthfully, election enables voters to participate in the political activities. They have to use the right to involve in political affairs. As our democracy is found at its infant stage but making it widen as a culture should be practiced by all Ethiopians.
Yes, the progress of democracy is a reality which cannot be stopped and which needs to be accepted and addressed as part of daily life but equally Ethiopians should also accept democratic election as a culture and this should continue. Emphasizing on developing the culture has a peerless role in the country. Undoubtedly, in the 6th round national election the government vows to make many voices heard in the legislative and all opposition parties take part in the country’s decisive affairs.
Of course in Ethiopia, civic education has been taught in Ethiopian schools. It has helped individual participation in politics, and on orientations such as political tolerance, efficacy, and trust, considered essential components of democratic political culture.
However, civic education that aimed to promote democratic values, awareness, and engagement in politics during constitutional reform and preparation for national elections, it has not been effective as it was intended.
Equally important, along with exercising democratic culture, we have to develop planting seedlings as culture in the country too so that the country can be covered by trees and forests.
Developing tree planting culture would be more effective and more meaningful when Ethiopians take into account as their real life and elements of environmental conservation.
Yesterday, Ethiopians carried out the 6th round national election, which is the first of its kind and side by side they were expected to plant close to 40 million seedlings in a day. Historically, as Ethiopians were keen to elect their future leaders, the same is true for planting seedlings. Owing to this Ethiopians see the day as critical and as corner stone of the country’s reform.
Essentially, along with carrying out elections, let’s commit to be an exemplary to the world by planting about 40 million seedlings in a day. And it was also witnessed in advance, that Ethiopians have the potential to actualize green legacy initiative.
Importantly, it is crystal clear that trees contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality, climate improvement, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife. Trees take in carbon dioxide and produce the oxygen we breathe. That is Ethiopians should make planting trees a culture.
Yes, Ethiopia has been respected by our forefathers and mothers blood. They had passed through various hard challenges for the sake of Ethiopia’s sovereignty. They also have sustained Ethiopia by keeping the natural environment. Hence; we have to repeat and follow their footsteps and transform the country into prosperous and powerful nation. But this ambition will be effective by the joint efforts of Ethiopians.
Resolutely, it is only through citizens unity and strong bondage, the country’s prosperity will be objectified if we are united and watch out our internal and external opponents attentively and cautiously.
Let’s lay a cornerstone for democratic system and planting trees today and fulfill our dreams. Let us ensure green legacy initiative and restore the country’s forest coverage and also to transform Ethiopia into next generation.
The burst of tree planting was part of a wider reforestation campaign; Green Legacy, spearheaded by the country’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Millions of Ethiopians across the country were invited to take part in the challenge and within the first six hours, Abiy tweeted that around 150 million trees had been planted. Equally important, the country has to develop the culture of planting trees. It has planned to plant nearly 40 million seedlings yesterday.
The spirit of tree planting is part of a wider reforestation campaign, Green Legacy initiative, Spearheaded by the country’s Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. Millions of Ethiopians across the country were invited to take part. Ethiopians were encouraged to build on the momentum of planting trees.
The Ethiopian Herald June 22/2021
