On the National Election of Ethiopia

Dear reader allow me to star my short article on the Ethiopian 3rd National Election with a joke. A joke but the joke has an implication.

On 8th of May 2005 Mr. Issayas was on his journey passing over the sky of Addis Ababa. Incidentally he saw through a window of his plane an election mass rally of hundreds of thousands Ethiopians on the streets of Addis, organized by an opposition, Coalition for Unity and Democracy.

He said: “Ah! What is this? The weyanie is mobilizing its army! ‘tefa’ena’ (we are lost! It will attack us before we are ready.”

One of his ministers said: “NO.NO. Mr. President, these are not soldiers. It is a mass rally about the election, organized by an opposition party. I heard this morning on the Ethiopian broadcasting radio.”

Mr. Issayas said: “Then the weyanie will win the world public opinion?”

“Yes. I think so”, said the minister (I guess he was Mr. Ali Seid).

Mr. Issayas asked: “Can we do something like that? But without any opposition?”

“But it is meaningless. If there is an election, there must be an opposition.” Said his minister.

“Then we leave it. ‘Eritra nay widbat hashewye ktkewn ayndeln’ (We don’t want Eritrea be a play ground of opposition)” Said Mr. Issayas.

Who will win this election? Leaving this question to our Ethiopian brothers and sisters aside, I would rather like to concentrate on, What implications and impacts will this election have in the region in particular and the continent in general?

35 parties are participating in this election. There is freedom of speech, press and assembly. The opposition is free to make a mass rally or demonstration. Any mass media is free and open to all. Leaving some irregularities, allegations and counter allegations here and there from both parties, the general sphere is encouraging. Independent observers are invited from different parts of the world.

I would like to praise two parties here. First and foremost, the present Ethiopian ruling party for its creation a sphere of democracy in the country. It is unprecedented to have such event in the history of Ethiopia. My second appraisal refers to the Ethiopian opposition parties which are operating inside. Being united as opposition and struggle democratically to win one’s vision, is unique of its kind. Unique not only in Ethiopia but in the continent as a whole.

Again, regardless who wins this election, How do we see it as Eritreans? What impact can it have on us? What can we learn from this historic event?

What I personally hate is, the old saying, “I don’t care. It is an Ethiopian issue.” But one has to understand that one’s neighbor has something to do with. A stable and democratic neighbor is always preferable than unstable and undemocratic (dictator) neighbor. As an opposition we can learn from this, that unity within the opposition camp is vital. Unity is strength. By virtue the Ethiopian opposition has got a suitable ground for a peaceful struggle. Our opposition forces must create this basic opportunity through their struggle. This election is a good example for us and a good example for the region.

Some of my fellow country men(women) within the opposition camp try to compare the PFDJ regime with EPRDF. Amazing, it is totally incomparable. My intention is not to support the Ethiopian government, but it is reality. Let’s be realists. Let’s get out of the irrational and subjective confusion.

People in Ethiopia are talking about election. Our people are talking day and night about war. There are daily round ups in every corner of the country. There have being three consecutive national elections in Ethiopia the last 14 years. While the Eritrean people have not even seen a single election. Even a pseudo or cosmetic election like which happens in some countries. Our country is one of the few which are ruled without a constitution. The whole country is changed into a camp of prison. Arresting, missing and torture has become a normal business in our small state. Ethiopia is fighting with ballots while the regime in our country is fighting against the people with bullets. How can we compare the two regimes?

In my view the Ethiopian politics is deeply institutionalized. There will not be any room for instability. The party which wins the election will have majority in the house of parliament and forms a government for one term. The losers will function as opposition in the parliament, if they don’t form a coalition government. That’s all. One can say Ethiopia has entered the avenue of democracy and stability.

Finally, the Ethiopian people will speak tomorrow (15-05-2005). I hope this historic event will repeat itself in Eritrea sooner.

I wish the Ethiopian people have a peaceful election day.

Adhanom Fitiwi

Comments: fitiwi@planet.nl

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