Ethiopia’s ongoing reform that came into being in 2018 following the popular protests has been at the crosshairs of the public’s demand for democracy, peace, and development. In fact, the issue of democracy has long been at the top and long list of public queries. And, building dependable, competent, and advanced institutions remains to be the first rung for the much-needed democracy to come into fruition.
Liberalizing the nation’s electoral body and relaxing draconian laws as well as amending electoral laws have been the must-do tasks to revolutionize the political landscape long covered with cobwebs. These measures of course led to the historic 6th general poll.
To sustain the gains, the electoral board should either encourage or pressure parties to practice democracy within their party. This demanded revision of the electoral proclamation with the participation of parties, their councils, and other relevant actors.
As per the new law, parties must hold congress, elect their respective parties’ leaders and report to the board within a month’s period. And, this was what was happening for two weeks now and it can be considered a major development in Ethiopian politics since parties either used to be reluctant or face scrutiny for not holding congress and electing their leaders.
For many, ensuring intra-party democracy paves for the democratization of a country. Breaking away from the old traditions, parties this time held congress, elected their respective leaders, and took the platform to call for inter parties’ cooperation, peace, and dialogue.
The ruling Prosperity party was among the parties that held congress. In it’s first-ever congress since its formation, party leader and Prime Minister of Ethiopia Dr. Abiy Ahmed outlined the party’s ambition to play a key role in the nation’s journey to unity, reconciliation, and building a strong nation.
“Our goal is building a strong nation. To that end, we will fight theft. We want to provide relief to the public. We want to be a party that is inclusive and close to all people. We will exert effort to solve problems we are facing with not just force but wisdom. We want to fortify multinational unity.”
For its vision of transforming the nation to be a reality, the party believes it needs the cooperation of parties and people. The party leader hence expressed readiness to cooperate with other parties and every actor that support the vision of a united and prosperous Ethiopia.
“If contending parties forward plausible critics and present alternative policy, they can be useful to us and the country. We want to work with such formidable opponents for the well-being of the nation. Like we did previously we will continue to include members of other parties in our cabinet. We are very committed to working with other parties.”
The premier also called on parties to get prepared as national dialogue is looming and stressed that without their active participation it wouldn’t yield the desired result.
“I want parties to be aware that government and prosperity party have strong need and commitment for the inclusive national dialogue. It is in our need that idea that can sustain Ethiopia to emerge from this discussion. Peace is more than anything for Ethiopia because we just came out of war. Forces who think they are powerful need to work towards peace, discussion, rest, and development. Other options will be damaging. We should stand together for peace, development, and democracy.”
Besides, the ruling party, contending political parties have also been holding their respective congresses, marking a humble begging to greater party room democracy.
The Oromo Federalist Congress is another party that held congress and stressed it would work for the practice of true federalism. Party leader Prof. Merera Gudina said the party would work to build Ethiopia and realize its prosperity.
“Democracy, multinationality is something that all people of Ethiopia will build together. We will contribute our share in the struggle for peace and truthful democracy. We will play a share in transforming this nation and realize its prosperity.”
Gurmesa Ayano, central committee member of OFC also said the nation’s existing problem could only be solved with a candid and inclusive national dialogue. He also expressed the party’s commitment to play part in the upcoming national dialogue. “We have been making attempts for the government to come to center stage and truthful dialogue. Holding a national dialogue is still the solution. Our effort will be to make the process candid and impartial. If it is, we are ready to participate.”
Present on the occasion, Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council President Rahel Bafe (PhD) emphatically explained the need for collaboration and civil politics.
“For natural rights that are given to us as human beings, there is no need to get injured or pay life sacrifices. The council of political parties in which 54 different parties are members will work to strengthen inter-party relations and thereby realized civilized politics. All we do should be for the betterment of Ethiopia and for that end we should stand together. As we are heading to a multiparty system, we have a long way to go. If we stand together and sacrifice ourselves for people, the Ethiopia we want can be a reality.”
Freedom and Equality party also held its congress last week. The party held a by-election to fill a vacant central committee seat and revised the party’s rules and regulations. Party leader Dr. Abdulkadir Adem on the occasion said the party will play its part for Ethiopia’s national dialogue to be successful. “For the next three years, we will continue making effort to succeed in initiatives we have started. We will contribute a share to the realization of peace and stability in four corners of the nation. We will also help succeed in a national dialogue that is now in the preparation phase.”
What is different about these congresses is the invitation of other party members to a stage and deliver a message of solidarity and cooperation. Attending the conference of Freedom and Equality party congress, Aregawi Berhe (PhD) points out the fight for freedom and equality of people as is a prerequisite to holistic change.
“If there is freedom of expression, there is development. When I say development, I do not mean just mean economic development. I also mean political development, development of culture, philosophy, literature, and other developments. I can exist and be registered if only there is freedom and equality.”
The Afar Peoples Party Chairperson Musa Adem on the other hand appreciated the party’s attempt to give attention to pastoral communities of the country.
“The party has designed its policy with consideration of pastoral communities in the country. This makes it unique. The party has done a unique job as most parties don’t give much attention to the pastoral community. When we talked of equality, freedom, and justice, it is essential to consider all aspects of the country. We should be inclusive of every community. In that sense, you have done a commendable job.”
Rahel Bafe (PhD), Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council President took the podium to urge political parties to join hands to realize a peaceful and democratic state.
“We should be together to realize a state that is equal and just too every Ethiopian. We will struggle together for inclusiveness, rights to live, liberty, equality, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression.”
Therefore, the congresses held have been open platforms for members of each party to discuss freely, amend their rules, elect their respective leaders, and most importantly ask for cooperation from other parties for a common goal. This practice by comparison is new and hopes are this practice to initiate cooperation among parties. If parties contribute their part in the upcoming national dialogue as pledged in their congresses, the chances for peace will also be wide. Their participation can make the dialogue inclusive and encourage candid discussion in the process. Peace, democracy, and development can only be attainable when parties maintain their commitments.
BY KFLEEYESUS ABEBE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 31 MARCH 2022
