The strength of local democracy depends, among other factors, on the institutional framework within which contesting political parties operate and elections take place. Obviously, the fundamental constitutive elements of a well-functioning democracy, or the very strength of democratic institutions comes from repeated cycles of stable elections and transfer of power. With such an objective, Ethiopia has preplanned general elections in 2020.
The incumbent has repeatedly vowed to make the upcoming elections democratic and credible; as much as to make ‘a lesson to other African countries’ as Prime Minister Abiy put it last week. The elections, will thus offer a great opportunity for Ethiopians, considering that erecting a fully-fledged and well-functioning democracy is an existential issue for the country at its current state.
Taking into account that elections are complex, however, they require full collaboration among the government, the country’s democratic institutions, politicians and other relevant stakeholders. In this regard, the kind of collaboration we are having at this time, among the ruling party and over 100 contestant political parties is quite admirable.
The government’s appointment of a former political prisoner to the post of Electoral Board chair, and the subsequent actions the Board has taken, such as in amendment of laws and code of conduct, and happily in collaboration with all political parties and civic associations have made Ethiopians optimistic over their future.
It is worth noting that we are now at a time when political parties have been empowered to decide together over the fates of the coming elections. Promoting credible election through capacity building, among others, is important seeing as how the outcome of an election can become an existential issue for countries.
To conduct an election that is legitimate and credible, the election body should ensure that the elections are not only politically acceptable, but also technically sound as conducting successful elections demands sound management and specialized skills.
To this end, the country’s electoral body, The National Election Board, is undertaking various reform and capacity building measures in order to administer a democratic and credible election in 2020.
It is spearheading the reform of election laws to make them more open, accommodating and smooth. Also, the Board is working to setup a platform where participating political parties can engage the election body, and have continuous dialogue between them.
The election board is also working to build its capacity and organizational structure; all with the view of making the upcoming election more credible whilst also changing the public perception towards the institution for the better.
Of course in age of digital world, it is responsible to look into how technology can help in making the upcoming election more transparent and effective. And in this regard, the Board is assessing on ways technology can be applied effectively and tangibly. The fact is these initiatives are encouraging.
After all, conducting an inclusive and credible elections with equal access for all is crucial for Ethiopia, given that most Ethiopians believe that the elections will set the country on a path towards democracy and peace, and will contribute to establishing rule of law, security and stability; things that are currently getting scarce. The good news is there is a substantial political will from the government to have a successful election, and maintain the democratic reform the country initiated.
The Ethiopian Herald April 10/2019
