Ethiopia's upcoming general elections face trust deficit amid opposition concerns
via The Reporter Ethiopia7 min read
As Ethiopia prepares for its seventh general elections on June 1, a National Security Council assessment suggests the polls can proceed in most areas. However, opposition parties express fundamental distrust, citing security and administrative hurdles that they believe undermine the elections' legitimacy. They argue that issues like intimidation, restricted access, and administrative bias are not trivial and question whether the elections can fulfill their democratic purpose. The government's insistence on the elections' necessity is understood, but the editorial emphasizes that a vote held in an atmosphere of fear or exclusion will exacerbate divisions rather than heal them. It urges the government to engage in dialogue, acknowledge valid complaints from rivals, and implement reforms to build confidence. The international community will also be observing closely, and ignoring opposition concerns could lead to skepticism and condemnation. The article concludes that for the elections to be meaningful, the government must prioritize trust, listen to citizens' concerns, and ensure enabling conditions for all participants, laying the groundwork for a stable and inclusive future.
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