ADDIS ABABA– Reflecting on the recent Prime Minister Dr. Abiy’s responds to MPs regarding the current socio-economic and political situation, a renowned politician and Leader of the Ethiopia Citizens for Social Justice (ECSJ), Prof. Berhanu Nega said the Premier’s commitment to sustain the sweeping reform aimed at building a democratic system and his firm stand on Ethiopia’s unity is laudable.
In an exclusive interview with The Ethiopian Herald, Prof. Berhanu said that the public’s active participation is crucial in supporting government’s efforts to ensure peace and stability as rule of law is a prerequisite to build a democratic system.
“The government has been facing enormous challenges in its quest to transform to democratization,” he said, adding that concerted efforts of all actors are required to maintain public civility and halt destructive activities in a view to lessening the cost the country has to pay to form a new and democratic political system.
Prof. Berhanu shared Premier Abiy’s view that individuals and groups should adhere to the country’s supreme law, other rules and regulations while campaigning against the reform and denounced any attempt to impose ideology by force would nullify the democratic system.
“The PM correctly expressed the damage caused by some social media outlets that are well known for their irresponsible reporting and fake news. They have been instigating conflicts among people with diverse ethnic, religious and ideological background.”
He urged that the public not to leave the task to sustain the reform and democratize the country to Prime Minster Abiy and his government alone. “Their active roles in building a democratic system are a must. Every political group need to sell agendas and capitalize the rights of freedom of expression whilst paying due attention to create healthy and ethical political campaigns.”
Concerning constitutional reform, the politician shared Abiy’s conclusion that both groups that considered the constitution as an unchangeable document and those regarded it as a worthless book are equally incorrect.
“Democratic constitution is not encrypted on stone and it is a living document that could be amended, revised and corrected based the change in the country’s objective reality and other developments.” He said, however, that constitutional amendment should be based on public’s consensus and any political group should observe the existing procedure and refrain from using force as a means to satisfy goals.
Noting his party’s reservation in some of the provisions of the current constitution, Prof. Berhanu stated that the party follows the legal approach for constitutional amendment, and it would engage in shaping public’s view in its favor by selling ideas in a bid to make the party’s view a public agenda.
“Opinions about the in validity of the current constitution are incorrect and the document has many viable provisions,” he said, adding that the politicians need to hold a moderate and balanced view in the constitution and initiate civilized discussions in a view to creating public’s consensus to a legitimate constitutional amendment.
The Ethiopian Herald July 9/2019
BY BILAL DERSO
