Last June, Ethiopia achieved the unthinkable as it held a historic free and fair general election that saw massive voters’ turn out. In many measurements, the election was better than the previous sham polls. The election was largely peaceful from its beginning to its ending.
According to the announcement of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) which was held last June in the country, the ruling Prosperity Party (PP) managed to win 410 seats out of 436 in the federal parliament.
It was to be recalled that in Tigray State and some constituencies of other regional states no vote was held owing to security issues and logistical issues.
Many unanimously agreed that the election was fair, free, credential, and other things of a similar kind. Reasoning from this fact, the election managed to win the hearts and minds of all and sundry in the shortest possible time.
During the voting day, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Ph.D.) hailed the election as Ethiopia’s first attempt at a free and fair vote. Many local and foreign experts also described the election as fair and free that would mark a milestone in the democratic transition of the country.
The House of Peoples’ Representatives recently announced that a new government will be formed on 4th October 2021. On top of that, House Speaker Tagesse Chaffo disclosed that preparations have been finalized to form the new government.
“A new government will be established on date stated above per the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia based on the results of the 6th General Election announced by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia,” he added.
He further stated that a full report of more than 400 seats of the 547 seats in the House has been declared.
He went on to say, “The outgoing members of the House have been undertaking various activities with the object of making the new parliament more effective and efficient. Over the past three years, various studies and training that help the House make quality laws were conducted with flying colours.
Tagesse also stated that the House has set up a system that helps improve its monitoring and controlling system. It is the responsibility of the House to ensure that its standing committees carry out strict monitoring and oversight on the executives and that the demands of the people to be answered in the same way, according to the Ethiopian News Agency.
He also said a week-long meeting will be held every month to listen to the report of the executive bodies and carry out their legislative work. In the same manner, a wide-range of reform activities have been carried out to enhance the House’s capacity.
He further expressed strong optimism that Ethiopia is in a position to overcome the challenges it is facing and achieving its development goals through public participation.
Citizens from different walks of life whom The Ethiopian Herald approached previously stated that the new government which is going to be established in the upcoming October has to solve urgent social, economic, and political problems facing the large public throughout the country.
Political science and international relations graduate from Dire Dawa University, Muluken Seyoum noted that the country is facing many challenges both from internal and external actors trying to destabilize the nation. Some anti-peace elements both from internal and external forces are working together hand-in-glove with the intention of undermining the peace and stability of the nation.
He further stressed that maintaining sustainable peace and stability of the nation is among the principal homework awaiting the upcoming government. Working hard in strengthening people-to-people relations is another way in bringing national solidarity and the people together.
“Creating massive job opportunities is also a daunting task in which the new government needs to tackle,” he indicated.
Muluken also said, “We all witnessed that the election was so peaceful and the voters elected their representatives till midnight without any pressure freely.”
The inflation rate is highly increasing and the government is undertaking multilateral measures to contain its impact to ease hardships facing the public. Besides, the high rate of cost of living in the country is what we all are witnessing and I expect that the upcoming administration needs to improve the livelihood of the people and other related problems which will transform the country to a better level.”
He further stated that currently there are widespread misinformation and unfair external pressure to infringe on Ethiopia’s sovereignty. This is unacceptable! The issue of countering external interferences should not be left to the government. All regardless of political thinking and other denominations should work hand in hand to stop the futile efforts.”
EZEMA party member who won a state council seat, Tarekegn Degife for his part said that this is a very challenging time seeing that some forces are trying to sow discord along Ethiopians to destabilize the country.
He also stated that conducting national dialogue is very important so as to reach on national consensus and deal with domestic problems thereby avoiding foreign interference.
He further explained that, even if the election is over, all contending political parties that have diverse interests should be consulted and engaged in resolving the various challenges of the nation. “As all we know, Ethiopia is home to over eighty Nations and Nationalities in which each of them has their own interest and other.”
According to him, national dialogue among political parties having diverse interests is very important to fill the gap. Maintaining peace and stability is the major homework awaiting the new government.
Working together with the public and contending political parties is imperative to create national consensus thereby ensuring peace and stability, he also opined.
Journalism lecturer at Woldiya University, Mohamed Fentaw for his part said that strengthening and maintaining national unity, ensuring sustainable peace and stability, and managing the current problems should be the main engagements of the upcoming government.
He further stated that to promote Ethiopia’s interests in the region and internationally, the Ethiopian government should strengthen the diplomatic efforts.
On the other hand, completing mega projects including the GERD should be at the centre of focus of the new government that would officially be inaugurated, Mohammed added.
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
The Ethiopian Herald 5 September 2021
