The Ethiopian Election: its Subtle Messages to Africans

Kelemu Smeneh

May 26, 2010

The unending meddling of foreign powers and elements in the Ethiopia internal business forced me to scribble the following points. In recent months I have resisted the urge to respond to a myriad of false stories that have been written about the current state of Ethiopia.

I. A Note:

The Ethiopian election is now over. The people of that country have spoken. The question of who is going to govern for the next five years is now a foregone conclusion. In the eyes of Ethiopians – the eyes that matter most- the ruling party EPRDF has won decisively. From the comfort of my home in North America, I would not even contemplate to second guess the Ethiopian electorate.

But from far away, knowing the developmental stage of my country and due to the relatively new exercise in formal election procedures, I can sense that in this election and others to follow there will be technical difficulties which in one form or another can inconvenience the electorate as well as competing parties. It must also be understood and acknowledged – especially acknowledged by the king makers in the West- that incumbency has its own advantages. This is even true in countries such as Ethiopia that is experiencing a rapid economic growth. It does not need much thought to understand that an incumbent that is doing a good job in economic development will be a sure winner in almost all elections. Hence, the unreasonable tendency by some to question the outcome of the election is unwarranted and is of a bad taste.

Opposition parties, however difficult it may look at first, have to ultimately accept the results and work hard to be better alternatives. I am confident that those parties aside the Medrek grouping will eventually accept the result and move forward after some twists and turns. Any genuine party in Ethiopia must by now understand that the West has a different agenda which is most of the time contrary to Ethiopia’s interest and is not worth as a dependent ally.

II. The W: Factor:

As many readers know by now, the Americans and the Europeans have mildly suggested that this election ‘falls short of an international standard’. They have not yet conclusively stated that it is undemocratic. But that is irrelevant. The most important thing to note is that they are not comfortable with the way that Ethiopians display their sense of independence. The peacefulness and calmness portrayed on the Election Day was hard to chew. While acknowledging the peace and calmness – an observable phenomenon - their reporters subjectively write about an ‘election marred by violence’. This is what I called the W Factor- the West Factor. The W Factor is a phenomenon that is a continuation of the mentality of the colonial era: a mentality of supremacy and know- it- all.

III: Africa and the Western World: The Subtle Message

The Ethiopian election shows a great divide between Africans and the West. African Union (AU) observers gave their verdict on the Ethiopian election. According to their assessment it was democratic, peaceful, fair - attributes that fulfill all the basic standard of a democratic election. When the Europeans and the Americans talk of ‘international standard’, they are daringly telling Africans that we are not fit for democratic elections. Even the BBC has today opened a discussion thread if election ever works in Africa. There is no limit to their arrogance! That is one great lesson that we Africans have to learn from this whole process. We also learn that they want African leaders to be their errand boys. One important lesson to our benefit – a lesson that every arrogant society always misses – is that they are not aware or they are not willing to see that the world is changing before their own eyes. Gone are the days of their hegemony over the world. Many regions of the world have declared their independence and Africa is following suite.

The African Union, based on facts on the ground concluded that the Ethiopian election was blessed with all attributes of democratic process. The European Union concluded that level playing field was absent because:

· the ‘Voice of America Radio was blocked’

· Brtukan Medeksa was imprisoned

· Some opposition elements complained a lot

· The incumbent has undue advantage

· Etc…

Now, it is clear from the above statements that EU had made its mind before it even arrived in Ethiopia. Or else how would a rational mind think that a group that was invited to observe a process comment on already known facts that deal with issues of legality and sovereignty? Many among us have asked for the release of Brtukan on humanitarian grounds. We wanted her release despite the fact that she erred in her judgment. This has nothing to do with what the EU was supposed to observe. It is also the business of the Ethiopian government to block a media outlet that is not bent to tell the truth; more so to block a media that disseminate hatred. The EU has not uttered a word when the United States blocked Aljezira and other media outlets that it did not like. Where does this double standard stance situate the EU observer mission? I let the decision to those who believe in reason.

Ethiopia along with the whole of Africa is in the process of change. It is changing for the better. Perhaps we Africans are naive to expect a warm welcome and appreciation from the West. In the West the social norm is that its interest comes first. Nothing else matters. Its history is replete with wars and destructions of other races and people. In Congo alone over ten million – yes million- perished by the colonizers. Leopold comes to mind. In Ethiopia millions were burned by napalm and other toxic materials. Worse, Africa’s people were considered less human and slaved. The West has that history of toxicity in its blood. Fortunately the world is changing for the better and its pawn is now being clipped. It will, though, try to saw, in a subtle way, hostility among the people of the Africa so that we fight its dirty war.

No more.

In passing I would like to ask my country men such as Dr Petros to watch his move. Although his loss of power (seat in the parliament) is something I do not like to see, I would like to give him my unsolicited advice. Do not be a weak link. If the preliminary statements that he gave are indications it is sad no note that he has more respect to the Europeans rather than his African keens. This is un-Ethiopian and must be corrected sooner than later. After all he and his colleagues are fully aware that they have been rejected by the electorate. The result in Addis Ababa, a place that is transparent, open and accessible to all, suggests that the opposition has lost the election beyond doubt. No other indicator is needed to arrive at this conclusion.

In terms of the observers, of all the groups that I heard the comment given by Engineer Hailu Shawel made sense. The work of EU observers was haphazard and uncoordinated. Maybe that was made by design; because they have already made their mind before they arrive. But the way they released their statement was unprofessional and half-baked. They were trying to coordinate their stand with HRW and the State department. Hence, the clumsy nature of their report.

Local observers, local independent media and the AU observers have given their verdict. The election was peaceful and the incumbent party has won decisively. The people of Ethiopia have spoken. They deserve to be taken seriously. Our people demand and deserve respect.

IV. A Final Note

Prime Minister Meles gave a very balanced speech following his party’s victory. The olive branch approach to his political opponents is very commendable. The PM has displayed determination, magnanimity, and purposefulness. I applaud his approach.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. I urge the prime Minister to follow up in his promises and start direct negotiations with the parties that want to advance democracy in Ethiopia. Hailu Shawel’s and Lidetu’s party, Kinijit come to mind. Of course there may be many others.

I would also urge the government of Ethiopia to give a pardon to Ms Brtukan and expedite her release from prison. Not because she is innocent but because she is a mother of a child and does not have a malicious intent. She was unsuspectingly lured into this predicament by more shrewd and malicious elements. These are two measures that can go a long way in confidence building. I am confident that PM Meles will consider these two points.

As is the case with any self respecting people, we Ethiopians do not take dictates from anyone under any circumstances. The Americans and the Europeans must know that our relationship is based on mutual benefit. I was disgusted by the latest statement of the Americans where they said, “To the extent that Ethiopia values the relationship with the United States, then we think they should heed this very direct and strong message”. These folks forget that our relationship is based on mutual benefits.

It is my sincere wish and hope that any Ethiopian leader does not succumb to the arrogance of the West headed by the United States. Our quest for democracy and justice is not predicated on America’s dictate but intimately grounded in our interest; Ethiopia’s interest. This is a universal message every Ethiopian and African takes to heart.

Our challenges are many. Together we will overcome them. It is common knowledge that through unity we get strength. In a common desire to develop and prosper we gain invincibility. Every Ethiopian, save the shumbash and bandas, is duty bound to protect the interest of this ancient aspiring nation.

The future is bright.