The elements of democratic election and EPRDF.

Hamedo Wedi May 19, 2010

Today, the feelings of Ethiopians are different from twenty years ago when drought, misery and migration were common. Thanks to our gallant heroic EPRDF fighters who sacrificed their lives for peace, democracy and equality. What is left is to fight and win backwardness and poverty and to make it history.

We are in new era; grounds have already lain to make the upcoming 4th General National Election of Ethiopia free, fair, democratic and peaceful. Free and fair election is essential in assuring the democratic process which is the bedrock of democratic politics in Ethiopia. Elections serve as the principal mechanism for translating consent into governmental authority.

The elements of democratic elections are not merely symbolic. Elections are competitive, periodic, inclusive and definitive. We Ethiopians, even though we live in Diaspora, are enjoying the result of the Ethiopian people struggle. Opposition parties and candidates are exercising the freedom of speech, assembly, and movement necessary to voice their criticisms of the government openly and to bring alternative policies.

It is such an incredible win and an amazing era for us to witness the open and fast gain of Ethiopia’s democracy these past twenty years. Never in the history of Ethiopia have we witnessed such an open dialogue. A free expression of ideas among different parties is what we are witnessing for the fourth democratic election.

The party in power is enjoying too the advantages of incumbency. I hope the opposition parties must learn from the past and they really understand what the Ethiopian people needs right now. Freedom of assembly does not imply mob rule or violence.

Democratic elections are periodic. Democracies do not elect dictators or presidents-for-life. Elected officials are accountable to the people, and they must return to the voters at prescribed intervals to seek their mandate to continue. This is what eprdf had been paying a huge sacrifice. The truth of the matter is the current government has done wonders for Ethiopia led by our wise and intelligent leader, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

Democratic elections are definitive. They determine the leadership of the government for a set period of time. Popularly elected representatives hold the reins of power; they are not simply figureheads or symbolic leaders.

Democracies thrive on openness and accountability, with one very important exception: the act of voting itself. To minimize the opportunity for intimidation, voters in a democracy must be permitted to cast their ballots in secret. At the same time, the protection of the ballot box and tallying of vote totals must be conducted as openly as possible, so that citizens are confident that the results are accurate and that the government does, indeed.

Political competitors don't necessarily have to like each other, but they must tolerate one another and acknowledge that each has a legitimate and important role to play. Moreover, the ground rules of the society must encourage tolerance and civility in public debate. I am sure they can learn a lot from the success of eprdf instead of blow all this negative hot air. I could say with out any disgrace there had never been political party previously in Ethiopia and that alone in itself speaks proudly.

At last when the election is over, the losers must accept the judgment of the voters. If the current governing party looses, it must turn over power peacefully. No matter who wins, all sides must agree and follow the rules of law and agree to cooperate in solving the common problems of the society.

The opposition continues to participate in public life with the knowledge that its role is essential in any democracy. It is loyal not to the specific policies of the government, but to the fundamental legitimacy of the state and to the democratic process itself. Democratic elections, after all, are not a fight for survival but a competition to serve. This is the fundamental element we Ethiopians must learn and exercise.

Election processes must be seen as fair and open so that the election results are recognized as legitimate. I believe that this is the right time for this great nation to come together and vote for Unity, Freedom and Prosperity. And the elected government should be—a government of the people, by the people, for the people.

Remember, each one of us should be concerned about our beautiful Ethiopia, because the person who ultimately takes over the leadership will control you and lead you either to heaven or hell. At last and not least “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we create our world. ”