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Political
patience vs. the rule of law
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Editorial
By Ethioobserver
On
many occasions the winner party (EPRDF) warned that the
opposition's “taking to the streets” as an attempt to
"seize power using crowds" would have fatal
consequences. EPRDF has patiently urged the opposition leaders not
to indulge in violence using innocent citizens and fully respect
the right of the Ethiopian people to solve their problems based on
the constitution and the rule of law, a warning the opposition
duly ignored. There is no doubt that at present it is improper to
fuel a crisis. However, if the illegal actions by the opposition
are not curtailed, it could certainly stir up further waves of
protest by those who aspire for instability and disturbances among
Ethiopians. Though the present “crisis” is limited to its
degree and range, we have to find ways to dispel the mental
tension and uncertainties, created among the populace.
Disobedience and incitement to mass uprisings by the opposition
surely is an impediment to the cause of democracy. The opposition
leaders, particularly of the CUD, have since the May election
tried hard to divide Ethiopians in a camp of either “we” or
“them” instead of being a unity force to reckon on. Although
democracy may have different meaning for these newborn democrats,
whose record on such exercise has been so murky, the guiding
principle still should be respect and rule of law of the country.
The
result of the election was conducted on the basis of the Ethiopian
constitution and the result reflected the political will of the
Ethiopian people and should be strictly respected. The election
was valid as witnessed by different observer groups. The matter
was settled through appeals and courts and the National Election
Board of Ethiopia declared it was over. It should not be
reversible by any means. Going through the courts also reflected
not cynicism but faith in the constitution. Peaceful means to
resolve those disputes for more than 3 months showed how the
reservoir of patience was by both the Ethiopian people and the
authorities so that different views were carefully accommodated
and managed. Therefore, CUD must accept and honor the people’s
verdict and heed for legal and parliamentary means of change.
Though
the European Union (EU) chief election observer, Ana Gomes
with her biased statements had tried to aggravate the situation,
Ethiopia's friends are now acting and giving full recognition of
the government to carry out its expeditious work to stabilize the
political situation and govern Ethiopia. Few diehards in the
Diaspora have been crying foul to inflame the situation both
during the wake and after the election and trying to bring
government change by shouting on the streets of Europe and USA. No
revolution has ever succeeded through export. Unholy alliances of
the Negedes, ex-dergists, two or three-men based with high
sounding names of “networks”, “academicians”,
“patriots”, etc. are doomed to failure. The opposition leaders
have on many occasions failed their supporters and voters. CUD
leaders are unable to distinguish truth from distortion. CUD lacks
respect for the constitution and rule of law and is more
preoccupied in finding excuses instead of providing leadership
that is a hallmark for a viable opposition party.
Thanks
to the Ethiopian people and EPRDF’s determination, opposition is
now institutionalized and legitimized in Ethiopia for a true
democracy to take root in Ethiopia. Over the past few years,
Ethiopia has undergone a number of reforms, which have brought
about many positive changes. To mention among the few:
·
Increased
foreign Investments and capital flow
·
Competitive
businesses encouraged
·
Banking
reform and sound national currency
·
Increased
private ownership and privatization
·
Anti
corruption laws and transparency
·
Private
media and coverage
It
is regrettable, however that CUD could not deliver the changes
that people expect after an election. The top of the agenda seems
to be power by any means. The stakes are indeed too high and too
familiar for power mongers. Democracy and rule of law are not to
the liking of the CUD. The May election was vital for both winners
and losers and clearly shows how untested and juvenile parties
gamble with the peace and stability of Ethiopia for the ego of
certain people. Some of the former rotted regime’s staunchest
supporters have become party leaders, immersed in endemic
corruption and ruthless political ambition trying very hard to
give the derg new life and rehabilitation.
It
is crucial at this moment that the government establishes law and
order allowing the police and prosecutors take actions against
subversive acts, instigating political violence.
The Ethiopian constitution has the ultimate power to assert order
in accordance with the rule of law and to safeguard the national
interests and protect the welfare of its citizens. Undermining the
constitution and calling the public to stage a strike and create
unrest is not by any means peaceful struggle or democratic right.
Shaibya’s saber rattling and the oppositions’ call for strikes
are two faces of the same coin. Foreign aggression and treason
must be fought with the same vigor.
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