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Addis Ababa, March 31, 2021 (Walta) – The academics highlighted the need to respect the rule of law so that the VI General Elections could be held peacefully.
They also affirmed that lasting peace can be achieved when citizens elect their representatives democratically.
Lawyer Mesenbet Assefa and the founder of the Unity Ethiopia Civil Speech Association, Hiwot Alemayehu, presented discussion points for the Addis Weg forum held yesterday at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Speaking at the forum, the director of the Women’s Shelter Development Association, Maria Munir, said that lasting peace can be achieved by holding legitimate elections.
He stated that Ethiopians must unite for a peaceful election as they unite in unison to build the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Lawyer Mesenbet Assefa said that democratic and peaceful elections are an important political indicator of a country’s transition.
He also added that the electoral process is the key to guaranteeing peace, development and democracy in a country.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of all citizens that a peaceful election is held, the academic emphasized.
Stakeholders, including security forces, must realize what is expected of them and act accordingly during the pre-election, election and post-election periods, he said.
The academic also said that freedom of thought must be respected in the context of the rule of law.
The founder of the Association of Civil Speech, Hiwot Alemayehu, said for her part that politicians who want to be heard must also cultivate the culture of listening to others.
Politicians must always recognize that the source of power is the people and respect the decision of the people, Hiwot said.
Recalling that politicians in the past elections resorted to the use of violence as an alternative to civilized discussions, he added that this should not be repeated.
Due attention must be paid to the rule of law and the neutrality of the institutions to carry out the elections in a peaceful manner, stressed the founder of the civil association.
The Addis Weg discussion forum has been organized by the Prime Minister’s Office.
