Addis Weg entitled 'A step forward in Democracy, implications of the 6th National Election' hosted today
Addis Weg, hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, was held today entitled 'A step forward in Democracy, implications of the 6th National Election'. Seife Derbe, CEO of Ethiopian News Agency facilitated the session where Professor Kassahun Berhanu, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Addis Ababa University, Sisay Tola, Deputy Director General of National Intelligence and Security Service, and Dr. Nikuse Aklilu, Founder and Coordinator of Destiny Ethiopia presented their reflections. Professor Kassahun said democratic process is crucial to strengthen a country. Regarding the participation of international observers, he explained that the European Union has improperly terminated the agreement to deploy observer mission in an attempt to exert discriminatory pressure in light of the current situation in the country. He stressed the need to strengthen indigenous and continental institutions and involve them in such processes.
Sisay explained that the government supported in ensuring the election is secure and peaceful. He said the efforts were focused on safeguarding the public's interest. Among the actions taken are deployment of the security forces based on national security risk analysis and employing technology to aid the process. He added that despite the presence of various actors who supported in ensuring the safety and security of the electoral process, it is the people that are worthy of the highest praise. The manner in which the Electoral Board, government bodies, political parties, the media, civil society organizations and other stakeholders have conducted through the election process is encouraging Dr. Nigussu stated. The judicial system, security forces, and the media served neutrally better than ever. He emphasized the need to move from competition to consultation and dialogue, saying elections are a time of competition and do not answer all our questions.
Seife reflected that local mainstream media have worked neutrally and independently with the principle of making Ethiopia victorious. He recalled that the media had helped the people to participate in the election with trust on the electoral process and the executing body despite the attempts of destructive forces to create insecurity. Tesfaye Neway, Vice President of the Federal Court of First Instance, on his part said investments in organizational and capacity building activities to ensure the independence of the judiciary have started to pay off in also being instrumental in making the election fair. Participants raised questions and shared reflections about the gaps observed in the electoral process, efforts to strengthen political parties' consultations and the Electoral Board as well as the determination of the Ethiopian people to elect their government by casting their votes. The session ended after the discussants gave their concluding reflections.
