The pursuit of democracy in Ethiopia is age long struggle that many youth have paid their ultimate prices. Young people who had strong conviction that only democracy could create peaceful and developed country have struggled for democracy throughout different generations. Their struggles have changed different regimes beginning from the monarch to military and civil authoritarian governments. However, building democratic government has been difficult for some time as governments bend to power grip, corruption, and vote rigging. For instance, Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front promised a democratic Ethiopia designing constitution and holding consecutive elections. But, the problem was upholding one’s own commitment, free press and holding a real free, fair and credible election. Previous elections failed to show true democratic practice or process. The fate of government critics whether they are journalist or a politician was thrown in jail or exiled. So, the change began by releasing journalist and opposition figures as well as inviting exiled politicians to get back to their country and struggle peacefully.
Democracy has many features, but if we have to name one defining feature that will be free and fair election. Many people could agree that the recent election 2021 laid foundation for democratic practice in the country. The process met crucial measurements of election that are active participation of people, transparency of the process, media freedom and playground fairness.
To begin with, there was dependable electoral board. The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has seen reforms and the head of the board is also reputable for her struggle to democratic principles and justice. Parties were happy about the process because they had campaigned in the election freely. They also had fair access to media as well. Hence, this attracted a heavy turnout in history. Ethiopians from different corners of the country have made long queue to vote their representatives. Despite the long line and other setbacks, Ethiopians from all walks of life voted their representatives.
One thing that should not be forgotten, Ethiopia conducted this election amid challenges that threatens its existence. COVID-19, instability in some parts of the country, contentious politics, and war in Tigray have not made Ethiopia to backslide from holding the election. Accordingly, Ethiopia proved its commitment to democracy. The process attested Ethiopia’s readiness to democratic rule.
Building capacity and efficiency in public sector management, accountability, and information and transparency are also other important components of democratic government. In this regard, government would even look to individuals who are in opposition bloc. It is worth to remember that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed promised to include opposition party members who would have contribution for peace, development and further growth of democracy in the country. Government believed some individuals in opposition groups have different skills, expertise and experience that could help the state. Once again, it is preparing to fulfill this promise and forge strong cooperation with opposition parties for realization of strong government that can achieve peace and prosperity.
After the successful election of June 2021, Ethiopia is a bid to form new government. While the new federal government is to be formed in October, regional states are already forming their cabinet. Oromia state is among states that has already formed its cabinet and elected region’s president. The new president Shemelis Abdisa vowed to strengthen peace and security in the region by eliminating terrorist groups. He emphasized the regions will work for friendship and unity with other regions of Ethiopia. Other appointees also vowed to work with integrity and diligence.
Afar state is also preparing to form new cabinet in coming few days. In a press briefing, Speaker of the state, Amina Seko says the new cabinet will give chances for people with skills and education. Women also have better representative in the state cabinet. Amina stressed peace and security will be major focuses of the new regional government.
Regional governments have already kept the promise by incorporating opposition political figures. For instance Oromia state has shown its commitment for cooperation by including former leader of rebel group in its new cabinet. The former rebel leader is among individuals who chose peaceful struggle for democracy and development of Oromia and the nation at large. Giving him a post will have several implications. In one side it encourage peaceful struggle among opposition groups and on the other side government is ready to use expertise of individuals despite ideological differences.
Addis Ababa City Administration also introduced its new cabinet on Monday in special televised meeting. As the city administration council elected Adanech Abebie for mayor, the council has seen new members from different parties and independent candidate, which was unseen in previous council. The council as it has different personalities with skills and experiences the city could benefitted.
Girma Seifu, executive member of Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice, believes the government in formation will work with all parties excluding the terrorist TPLF and ONLF Shene. Speaking to Ethiopian Press Agency, as terrorist groups are stubborn to destroy Ethiopia, he says it is imperative for every party to discuss and work in unison. The togetherness of parties would determine destiny of the nation.
He emphasized that parties have stood alongside government despite their ideological differences. This togetherness and solidarity that came in this hard and defining time is commendable history, it should be remembered and encouraged, Girma said. To solve current challenges, the politician said, government should employ wisdom and be committed. Negotiation with the terrorist group is unthinkable unless perpetrators of atrocities came forward with willingness to be accountable and extradite the criminals. Prosperity Party Oromia Branch spokesman Taye Dendea says the new government will rebuild institutions that weakened by terrorist TPLF. While the terrorist group was in power, it has deliberately weakened national institutions; institutions that are responsible to champion justice, and ensure democracy are among the targets. Therefore, rebuilding institutions are among tasks government has tabled to perform as the new government is formed. While government make working condition comfortable, civil servants should feel responsible to serve with capacity and integrity. The new government will build major Institutions in a way they can serve with capacity, ethics and skills.
Hence, as the new government with the inclusion of individuals from opposition figures shows plurality of ideas and interests, it would be possible to answer Ethiopians queries of good governance, democracy and development. In the years to come, Ethiopia could preserve and promote fundamental rights of citizens, strengthen cohesion of society and enhance national consensus, and most importantly it would realize peaceful transition of power.
BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
ETHIOPIAN HERALD 29 SEPTEMBER 2021
