ADDIS-ABABA (Halbeeg) – Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has called for “multiparty democracy” in a country that has long been under the tight control of a single coalition.
Ahmed spoke while meeting in the capital of Addis Ababa with nearly 50 political parties, including four from overseas, “who demanded reform to include election laws,” Fitsum Arega, the prime minister’s chief of staff.
“Given our current politics, there is no option except pursuing a multiparty democracy supported by strong institutions that respect human rights and rule of law,” Abiy said, according to Arega on Twitter.
PM Abiy concluded: Given our current politics, there is no option except pursuing a multiparty democracy supported by strong institutions that respects human rights and rule of law. This will allow us to mediate our differences peacefully and to ensure lasting progress. #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/539NvY2vzo
— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) July 22, 2018
Ethiopia is technically a multi-party democracy but in practice has been dominated since 1991 by the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) which, together with its allies, controls every seat in parliament.
Abiy took office in April, and faces the task of bringing an end to several years of sporadic regional protests over alleged land grabs and political neglect that threatened to derail the boom in Ethiopia’s state-planned economy.
Abiy has announced sweeping reforms including the release of opposition figures from prison and the embrace of a peace deal that led to the surprising restoration of diplomatic ties with longtime rival Eritrea.
While the party leaders appreciated reforms such as freeing political prisoners and reconciliation both at home and regionally, they demanded improvements to election laws and institutions, Fitsum said on Twitter.
HE PM Dr Abiy discussed today with leaders of 22 National & 30 Regional parties (4 from overseas).They appreciated reforms so far-freeing prisoners, reconciling both at home & in the Horn. They however demanded reforms to include election laws & implementing institutes. #Ethiopia pic.twitter.com/j6Cjv6IrkL
— Fitsum Arega (@fitsumaregaa) July 22, 2018
The government this month lifted a ban on opposition groups that were considered terrorist groups. Any further steps to strengthen the country’s democracy would likely make elections due in 2020 more competitive.
Halbeeg and Agencies
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