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The last fortnight saw momentous decisions bound to have lasting ramifications for Ethiopian politics. In an attempt to solve the constitutional puzzle that arose after the postponement of the Ethiopian 2020 general elections by the Ethiopian National Electoral Board (NEBE) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government submitted four proposals to Parliament on the way to go after it. he discussed them with different opposition parties. In a matter of days, Parliament decided to go for one of them, that is, to refer the matter to the Federation Chamber for a constitutional interpretation. The government’s proposals provoked diverse reactions from all sides of the political spectrum. While some warned that a constitutional crisis would unfold if the government reached a hasty decision without a broad-based consultative process, others are selling intimidating rhetoric with the intention of forcing the government to accept its views. The latter argue that after October 10, 2020, Ethiopia would not have a legitimate government because the current government’s mandate expires. They argue that according to the constitution he cannot extend his term in office in any way other than that provided for in the constitution itself (i.e. the elections) and that the Prime Minister and those who support him will be to blame for the crisis. derived policy. They argue that after October 10, all political parties, including the ruling party, would be equal and that, as such, they cannot be at the helm of the government. They further argue that the government cannot command the security forces once it loses its legitimacy. Proponents of this point of view not only demand the establishment of a transitional government, but also actively fuel conflict rather than foster constructive dialogue on elections and other vital national issues. You should not doubt for a second that your bravado or threat is going to deliver a devastating blow.
The government should have been receptive to ideas put forward by other stakeholders, in addition to the four proposals it put forward as they transcended narrow political goals and put the national interest front and center. Any deliberation on the upcoming elections must be inclusive and take into account inclusive local and global contemporary realities in order to bear fruit. At one point a state of emergency has been declared due to the coronavirus outbreak, which poses a serious risk to public health, severely restricts the movement of goods and people, strikes the national economy, and threatens to force millions into starvation, pressing the quick access button. Problems only serve to raise the specter of a catastrophe. If politicians know what is good for them, they had better do what is right for the people knowing that they will punish those who, in difficult times, plan to fuel the crisis for political gain rather than protect their well-being.
The argument that after 10 October 2020 Ethiopia cannot have a legitimate government without elections does not support the conclusion that political parties that are not represented in the legislature can enter into a power-sharing agreement with the ruling party and form a transitional or national unity government. . The constitution stipulates that the power of government can be assumed by the political party or a coalition of political parties that constitutes a majority in Parliament. Therefore, a party that does not have a parliamentary seat cannot enter into any form of power-sharing agreement and, as such, must refrain from invoking the constitution to cover up its illegal seizure of power whenever an opportune moment arises. You must understand that you can also experience a legitimacy crisis, not just the ruling party. Any responsible political actor must contribute his part to solving a crisis instead of agitating it. Negotiating with the government to have a seat at the table and demanding to be part of a transitional government are completely different things. If Ethiopia is to navigate successfully in these difficult times, it is imperative to put aside differences and show a united front.
The long-awaited change in Ethiopia’s vitriolic political culture requires a fundamental change in attitude. Although this change cannot be achieved overnight, the COVID-19 pandemic brings with it an opportunity that should not be missed. One of the advantages of the pandemic has been the demonstration of a level of collaboration rarely seen for a common purpose. Despite the sense of complacency, most Ethiopians follow the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and local health authorities, realizing that ignoring them endangers the responsible individual, their family and society in general. If political parties also decide to abandon their old habits and abide by the rule of law, the same progress can be made in reforming the political landscape as in the fight against contagion. Consequently, it is up to all political parties to consult on the adoption of a comprehensive framework that paves the way for a level playing field and the flourishing of a constitutional democracy. However, if they insist on practicing politics as always, the future will not bode well for them.
With the exception of a few, most of the more than 100 political parties operating in Ethiopia seem to have no idea that winning the elections is their ultimate goal, that they must live and breathe elections. Consequently, they are not overly concerned with the implications of what they say or do. Most of its leaders are so obsessed with taking the reins of power that they have no qualms about ignoring the principles they claim to uphold in order to achieve their goals. That is why despite several areas of common interest, the coalition rafts they have formed have collapsed on trivial issues. And now, individuals and groups that are like oil and water are uniting around the “constitutional crisis” that is brewing over the legitimacy of the government after October 10. Like its predecessors, this coalition will have a short life since it is based on ephemeral considerations. Unless these forces come to their senses soon, the poisonous political climate will subsist for years to come. However, no matter what they say, once the pandemic has ended, the state of emergency will be lifted; delayed elections will take place; and life will return to normal. Therefore, any political party that genuinely has the nation’s interest at heart must do its homework first rather than escalate tensions and refrain from using the security forces as pawns in the dangerous game of play. History will not be kind to anyone guilty of fanning a crisis that prevents constructive dialogue.
