Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s 7th General Election is gaining momentum as political parties across the country accelerate campaigning, sharpen their policy messages, and citizens started registration for vote, Professor Brook Hailu, a distinguished scholar, diplomat and media analyst said.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, he noted that the election process is proceeding in a largely fair manner; and this would potentially help lay the foundation for a stronger democratic political culture in the country.
According to him, Ethiopia has made significant progress in holding regular nationwide elections.
Over the years, Ethiopia has gained two key strengths: the discipline to hold regular five-year polls and the operational capacity to run them on a truly large scale, Professor Brook said.
And “from what I read and follow from the communications of the Electoral Board, as well as other appropriate governmental and non-governmental institutions, I think this election has been going in a good way,” he added.
With regard to fairness, Professor Brook said inclusive participation and equal media access for all parties have been observed.
More than 60 political parties have fielded candidates at federal, regional, zonal and city levels for the election, he said, adding that nationwide televised debates have given to all parties, including smaller ones, to introduce their programs and respond to questions.
Capacity of the Electoral Board and adequate staffing are also critical to ensuring credible voting across Ethiopia’s large and diverse electorate, Prof. Brook stressed.
Reflecting on the country’s democratic trajectory, he said democracy is a long-term process that grows through repeated, progressively improved elections.
“Democracy is not built in one day… (and) we are young. But from each election we are learning,” he noted.
Professor Brook also stressed that political parties need to campaign energetically and use all media channels to present clear programs to voters.
Citizens, on the other hand, must exercise their right to vote rather than stay home. “If people stay at home, they forfeit their rights,” he said, encouraging turnout and civic engagement as essential ingredients of democracy.
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