Sunday with Eden | Oct 16,2020
Dec 19 , 2018
By Zelalem Eshete (PhD)
Ethiopia is an extremely diverse but intertwined nation. We think we have only two choices: either to stress unity at the expense of diversity or concentrate on diversity by neglecting unity. But there is a third, although complicated, path we can take. We can foster diversity as the foundation of building unity. This can be our jumping off point to build a democratic and just nation.
The efforts that have been undertaken by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), especially in inviting opposition parties for a discussion, is admirable.
But the focus of the negotiation between the different contending parties seems to focus on the 2020 general election. Strengthening institutions such as the Electoral Board and the courts is necessary for a free and fair election to be had. But these in themselves do not suffice. We need to begin reforms at the foundations that make up the nation.
We can begin by implementing an idea forwarded by the Prime Minister - ensure that the past does not determine the future. To this end, we need to articulate and formulate values that should be part and parcel of our everyday lives. It requires focused efforts by the Ethiopian elite to expound this idea and lay out the foundation for its realisation.
This part of the nation-building process concerns itself specifically with society. It can be the bedrock that informs the shared values we want to take us forward as well as initiating the healing process that is necessary to live and prosper together.
Then, we can begin consensus building on the future of the country through a democratic process. We need to accomplish two main prerequisites for this to occur. The first are parties who can consolidate forces under similar ideological leanings and provide political programmes and ideas they believe the nation should follow.
Then the people can find clarity in the choices available for the direction Ethiopia needs to take. We have an opportunity for the real practice of democracy in our land, and this is what makes democracy work, even if it takes time.
We also require an informed citizenry for this stage of the process to generate a favourable output. This is when the involvement of the media, especially the public media, and transparency is most crucial. The process should be fair for all to take part in and be open enough for ideas to circulate and evolve. This is another part of the process that requires a substantial amount of patience and compromise between people as well as parties.
A free and fair general election is the third prerequisite and gives value to the process that came before to create a democratic state. It cannot be rushed or compromised. More than anything else, it has to come after the public has regained its trust in the democratic institutions of the nation. Just as crucially, the contending parties need to accept the decisions given by the institutions.
But the election does not only require the institutions to rise to the challenge. It needs to be reinforced by parties that have consolidated forces and can forward political and economic alternatives to the problems that afflict the country. The public as well needs to make its choices based on reason and not emotion. The election is special, and more is involved than just making sure the election is fair.
Given that the incumbents have finally walked the talk to open up discussions with opposition parties, it is preferable to hold the election after a consensus has been reached. There is a danger in allowing incumbents to stay in office beyond the mandated limit, but there is just as much peril in pushing forward with an election before the foundations for a democratic nation are laid.
PUBLISHED ON
Dec 19,2018 [ VOL
19 , NO
973]
Sunday with Eden | Oct 16,2020
Radar | Jul 03,2021
My Opinion | Jun 27,2020
Commentaries | Nov 07,2020
Verbatim | May 18,2019
Editorial | May 11,2019
Agenda | May 08,2021
Featured | Sep 06,2020
Radar | Nov 06,2021
Viewpoints | May 15,2021
Photo Gallery | 94146 Views | May 06,2019
Photo Gallery | 86421 Views | Apr 26,2019
My Opinion | 66224 Views | Aug 14,2021
Commentaries | 65553 Views | Oct 02,2021
Feb 24 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
Abel Yeshitila, a real estate developer with a 12-year track record, finds himself unable to sell homes in his latest venture. Despite slash...
Feb 10 , 2024 . By MUNIR SHEMSU
In his last week's address to Parliament, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) painted a picture of an economy...
Jan 7 , 2024
In the realm of international finance and diplomacy, few cities hold the distinction that Addis Abeba doe...
Sep 30 , 2023 . By AKSAH ITALO
On a chilly morning outside Ke'Geberew Market, Yeshi Chane, a 35-year-old mother cradling her seven-month-old baby, stands amidst the throng...
Mar 23 , 2024
Addis Abeba has been experiencing rapid expansion over the past two decades. While se...
Mar 16 , 2024
In a striking move that has rattled the corridors of Ethiopia's export sector, the Mi...
Mar 9 , 2024
Mamo Mehiretu's tenure at the central bank's helm is marked by a distinct shift in fo...
Mar 1 , 2024
In the corridors of the Ministry of Finance, on King George IV St., a recent visit by...
Mar 23 , 2024
A microcosm of Addis Abeba's vibrant yet convulsive changeover unfolds in the jammed corridors of the Arada District Land Management & A...
Ethiopia's decades-old energy policy is evolving rapidly, opening doors for private sector involvement in...
Mar 23 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide has intensified efforts to enforce mandatory domestic procurements across...
Mar 23 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
A policy measure that favoured steel importers over manufacturers was laid out as the major issue for the...