Kelemu Smeneh February 17,2009
This piece is triggered by Washera’s article in
regards to PM Meles’ recent press conference. It may not be the time to discuss
this issue now. But it has been raised
and I believe a comment is in order.
For the last few months I have
been thinking about the next election in Ethiopia.
Election is a process where the people of a nation
get another chance to elect a party that they believe will enhance their
social, economic, and political interests. The incumbent is judged mainly on
its past performances and the challenger is evaluated based on its pragmatic
approaches and sound political programs it promotes.
My country Ethiopia is a new actor in this field of
democratic elections. It has many hurdles to cross before its people are able
to make an informed decision in exercising their rights to the fullest. This
exercise needs time to mature. The
electorates and government functionaries will need time in understanding their
responsibilities and their rights. In
the last election I have witnessed an incident where an older person was
advised to cast his ballot in a certain way.
This will continue to happen for some time to come. As an evolving and
aspiring nation keen on development and good governance, Ethiopia needs to work
hard on implementing democracy. It
should do so without taking any direction from any corner of the world that
consider itself as a torch bearer of democracy.
Pardon my digression and let me go back to my main
point regarding the topic at hand. In the beginning, when I was opposed to PM
Meles and his party on their handling of the Eritrean referendum (not on the
outcome) and the Assab corridor issue, I wanted the party to lose power. That
changed when an alternative was not in sight.
For several years now I have been vigorously propagating that Meles
Zenawi should resign his post and a new leaders should emerge to lead the
party. My intention and logic was based on 1) the belief that power corrupts
and Meles should be replaced as soon as possible. Secondly, I presumed that
Meles should set an example by resigning peacefully and set a precedent in the
history of Ethiopia. I Still uphold
this principle. Lastly, I thought that
although we may not have a person who can ably replace Meles, I was of the
opinion that the person should learn on the job; that the positive outweighs
the negative..
Second thoughts are now in order. My first and last
premises are not verifiable. I am not
sure if Meles is susceptible to corruption.
I am not of the opinion, at this particularly critical time of our
development to opt for a leader who can learn on the job. Thus, as the reader
can predict, I am for Meles to sit tight on his current position and lead the
country (assuming that his party wins – which it will do undoubtedly) for
another term.
His peers in the African leadership have a great
respect on Meles. He has proven to be a
continental leader. The western world has already learned that they can’t push
this man around; that he considers them his partners as long as they respect
his independence and his interest for his country. His government’s economic performance for a country that is being devastated by natural circumstances
and partly surrounded by vicious enemies, is almost miraculous. The progress
towards self-sustenance seems to be in a grasp. The decentralization of power;
the empowerment of the federal states has helped to create a stable
country. This contradicts those who
espouse the idea that the empowerment of ethnic groups divides the country.
It is therefore unwise for me to stick to my old convictions. I am shifting gear and choosing the pragmatic approach. I am for Meles for an other term – another LAST term. At the same time the party should go for a head hunt and expose the potential leader to the public in due time – after the election, I think.