The Ethiopia 2015 National Election explicitly and unequivocally
demonstrated a successful transition to a democratic electoral system through
ballot vote whereby people can choose their leaders in a peaceful, competitive
and free contest. They also showed their political maturity by effectively and
practically implementing their citizenship rights and responsibilities. The
Ethiopian people once again demonstrated to the whole world that there is no
turning back but to move forward following the right track. Further, they made
it clear that they want to keep precious things such as peace, stability and
sustainable development undamaged.
During the 2015 National Election, the Ethiopian people from coast to
coast demonstrated to the whole world that, the hard fought peace, security and
stability are pre-requisites for free, fair and democratic election with no
hidden agendas, no disturbance, no chaos; instead, by conducting peaceful,
free, fair and exemplary democratic fifth national election. They showed that they
have equal voice and opportunity to choose their leaders not infected or
influenced by capital, wealth, and status and by engaging themselves (with over
80% and high number of youth participation) in a peaceful, free, transparent
democratic manner.
During this democratic election, the Electoral Board remained impartial
and non-partisan and has been regarded as such by the public at large. The
Electoral Board created a conducive and enabling environment for participation
and for an educated citizenry. Also in order to establish the credibility of
the electoral process, all parties worked very hard to make the electoral
process peaceful, democratic and successful.
Generally, elections are the cornerstone for creating a democratic
political system. In the past decade, it has become a common phenomenon in the
developing world to raise concerns on whether multi-party elections can
possibly be held in a free and fair atmosphere or whether any ruling party can
genuinely foment an enabling environment for peaceful, orderly and transparent
elections. However, within the context of Ethiopia, the recently concluded
fifth National Election has been declared free and fair by independent
international observation missions such as the delegation from the African
Union and other various independent observers such as the Coalition of the
Ethiopian Civic society.
The media, this time around refrained from being biased and used
accuracy, fairness, balance and impartiality expected from professional
journalists. As a result, most media outlets vis-à-vis the Ethiopian election
process have by and large been a blend of informed opinion and presented
substantive and concrete evidences to corroborate the veracity of their
account.
The government of Ethiopia created an unprecedented conducive environment
for a free and fair election further enhancing the process of democratization
and in order to strengthen and optimize the ongoing economic and political
reforms in Ethiopia and ensure continuity of the prevailing enabling
environment for development.
The main stakeholders: The Ethiopia people honored the Rule of Law that
decrees that Law shall govern us according to the will of the People, the Rule
of Law is worthy of our highest aspirations and dedicated efforts as a united
people, the rule of law that brings hope for peace, hope for justice, and hope
for a day when right will always conquer might; hope for a day when truth will always
overcome deceit and hope for a day when love will truly be the highest law of
our land.
Contesting political parties by and large have thoroughly prepared
themselves for the challenge from their political opponents; as a result, all
candidates were obliged to respect the rule of the game which is a fundamental
standard and symbol of a civilized society. They took time to do their homework
in that regard and chose their best candidates in order to represent their
parties to serve the public at large with dignity, honor and humility. They
understood the laws of the land and were able to respect and be governed by the
constitution of the land. Further, they represented their respective parties in
a political debate for their respective parties. Further, most of the
contesting parties have shown unprecedented wisdom and maturity in their
participation and in pursuing of their programmes for which they should be
commended. However, few of them were observed still pursuing hate politics,
squabbling among themselves and acting as fault-finders without presenting any
sound policy alternatives. Thus, they should be encouraged to come out of their
quagmire and develop themselves in future elections.
Monitoring also played an important role in conducting a peaceful and
democratic election by instilling domestic and international legitimacy.
Monitoring also helped to avoid any violence that may happen during the
electoral process by giving necessary technical assistance and technical
expertise for training local monitors that can strengthen domestic electoral
institutions that eventually helped maintain peace, tolerance and stability.
The presence of election monitors also served to prevent shenanigans and
give parties greater confidence that the vote was free and fair. The key to
achieving this outcome was the presence of monitors who are seen by all sides
as neutral. When we talk about monitors, we tend to focus solely on
international monitors and more often than not forget the role of indigenous
knowledge and capacities of conflict resolution mechanisms. Here, the role of
the elderly vis-à-vis ways and means of resolving disputes and conflicts is
instrumental; therefore, it must be given priority even over the so called
international monitors.
Since indigenous elders possess a proven track record of being
non-partisan and since they are neutral and respected by any party as well as
the society at large, their role within the electoral process can be of a
significant importance and thus, their involvement is not only important but
indeed at times indispensable; therefore, they must get the due attention.
At this critical time, political parties on both sides of the political
divide are required to exercise considerable restraint, tolerance and
willingness to compromise. The parties are legally and morally bound to refrain
from any action or activity that may adversely influence the situation on the
ground. Therefore, they should cease activities that could further antagonize
public sentiments or fuel the flames of discord
Generally, the Ethiopian people showed that they are fed up with
conflicts and wars and languages of violence. Instead, they are busy focusing
on poverty reduction and venture of development and they have an uphill battle
to conquer that. They are thus keeping their eyes on the price and the price is
peace; because, without peace, nothing can be achieved; therefore, it is
important that governmental and non-governmental organizations alike build
confidence on the democratic process flourishing in Ethiopia and continue their
cooperation and collaboration in order to further reinforce peace, stability
and good governance in the country.
A civilized society is obedient to law and order. Candidates in a
civilized society accept graciously the decisions of the electoral Board or the
supreme court of the land when winning or losing during elections. A civilized
society does not want to hamper stability and development. A civilized society
always strives for peace and maintains tolerance. Further, a civilized society
does not rush to violence and destruction. It opts for construction and
development endeavors instead.
In spite of the concerted negative media campaign against the national
election by certain international media ill-wishers with hidden agendas, the
Ethiopian people have managed to successfully conduct and conclude the 2005
National Election in a completely peaceful atmosphere. There might have been
some minor problems here and there, but for the most part, the election was
absolutely democratic, free and fair. Therefore, the Ethiopian people, the
Government in place, the Contesting Parties and the Electoral Board deserve to
be congratulated for a job well done.
Source: The Ethiopian Herald
No comments:
Post a Comment