By EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
Ethiopia is a country bedecked with diversified citizens in terms of language, ethnic composition, cultural coexistence, mutual assortment, sense of fraternity and the likes. This diversity has to be well entertained as it is a mosaic that clearly portrays the identity of each and every citizen of the nation.
Penetrating all the challenging circumstances, ups and downs as well as a multitude of conspiracies orchestrated against Ethiopia, its citizens across the nation conducted an ideal election full of civility and won the confidence of the international community since the latter thought that the election would be accompanied with chaos, turmoil and full of instability.
Ethiopia just did it. The pre-election period has already been peacefully over keeping the schedule set by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) though minor irregularities were witnessed. Basically, the National Information and Intelligence Services (NISS) in collaboration with state and federal security forces has done a range of activities to well contain the futile attempt and conspiracies, and it has succeeded in doing so. Undeniably, anti-peace forces at home and abroad have been busy orchestrating violence acts to disrupt the smooth flow of the election. However, following the well organized and streamline move of the security forces at all levels, the election had been carried out peacefully and responsibly.
Moreover, those anti-peace elements plotted a multitude of devilish approaches to apply sabotages and terrorism acts via disseminating false information about the elections at pre and during elections. Interestingly, their ill-missioned journey was prettily aborted.
It is well recognized that a free, fair and credible election is the best way towards democratization. Even we can garner a response when we request that why do people vote? According to experts in the field of Political Science, people vote because elections have consequences since the wining party has the power to decide on the quality of life for the current and future generations through consolidating the positive records the country has had and correct the pitfalls that have hindered the social development and national progress. Yes, voting is citizens chance to stand up for the issues they care about like public transportation, wage improvement, funding local schools, among others. It is why people believe that election is the determining factor for their future destiny.
Another reason for the importance of election is meeting the popular principle of “Not voting is giving up your voice.” It is clear that elections are determined by those people who go out and vote on the Election Day. In clear terms, whether one elects or not, they have to be administered by the elected and adhere the policies and strategies followed by the legitimate body.
Voting is also a mechanism to know where and why the money collected from tax is being used or misused as it purely cited during campaigns. Furthermore, Voting is an opportunity for bringing about a new chapter for the nation and impacting its citizens’ lives.
Unlike the previous elections, the 6th National Elections has shown a multi-party trajectory, enormous public turn out, individuals, contending political parties’ genuine gesture has been revealed and sense of fraternity and amicable scenario has been widely observed. With a view to realizing these fundamental affairs, Ethiopians in every nook and cranny of the nation have been guardians of peace and tranquility apart from proving their votes to the party they have thought is diligent, responsible and accountable one. By and large it is confidently said that Ethiopia voted and won as the primary objective of the election is transferring Ethiopia to the next summit, not a matter of competing one another.
Be that as it may, the Inter-Religion council of Ethiopia stressed the importance of the 6th National Elections and called on contending political parties, voters, supports and the public at large to graciously accept the result of the election. The council also insisted the public, especially, the youth to keep them apart from any violence following the official announcement of the result. Natnael Feleke, Ethiopian Citizens and Social Justice Party (ECSJ) Communication Head said the 6th National Elections of Ethiopia is very important to indicate that voting is the sources the power since power vested in the hands of the people. Political Science and International Relations Expert Dr. Melaku Tegegn on his part said that the election is key to ensure Ethiopia’s positive stride towards democracy.
Law and security Expert Bilen Mamo also explained that the election is an indication of the nation patriotic sentiment for unity and solidarity. She also added that the election is a way to overcome the internal and external pressures and a mechanism to stop external interfering in the internal affairs of the country.
Community Education at Kentucky University Assistant Professor, Deresse Getachew (Ph.D) remarked that the government showed committed to root democracy in the country. There are manifestations for this. To mention but a few, it established independent National Electoral Board, assigned nonaffiliated Board leaders, allocated proper air time, allowed all contending political parties to disseminate their respective policies, manifestoes, strategies and ideology that have been guided using any medium. Hence, repeating the success of the pre and during election process at post-election era is of paramount importance in building democratic system, a matured one in the long run, even.
California State University Political Science Prof. Alemayehu Gebremariam on his part noted that Ethiopia’s 6th National Elections has been an ever-remembered one as it was conducted in the aftermath of burying the looting group. Thus, the election is a viable weapon to get anti-peace and anti-Ethiopia elements ashamed of apart from being a key for democratic transition of the nation through alleviating the piled-up problems of the country for at least 28 years. It is also a means to well glue the unity and fraternity of all Ethiopians.
In sum, all Ethiopians have to join hands to make the country a well prospered one as they have been triumphant over the foes using a combined effort. Ethiopia is rising, indeed!
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
The Ethiopian Herald June 27/2021
