By the way the existing electoral law ( 6.2) states the PM
I have been asking around if the major opposition parties have been consulted about tomorrow's planned appointment of Birtukan Midegsa to the electoral board. None. Not even EPRDF member parties seem to have been consulted. Both the PM and Birtukan are making serious and dangerous blunder.
By the way the existing electoral law ( 6.2) states the PM
"before nominating Board members who fulfill the criteria ensure that there has been sufficient consultation FORUM for political organizations that have seats in the HPR to ascertain that the nominees are independent and impartial."
Since no opposition has seat in the HPR, it could be argued the PM does not have any party to consult except the ruling coalition ( which he did not). But given we are trying to move from an authoritarian system which rigged the past election eliminating any opposition from parliament, and since the PM has repeatedly promised to organize free and fair election, one would assume he would consult opposition parties even they are not in HPR. Also the law clearly stipulates there has to be 'sufficient consultation FORUM' not the hush hush we are witnessing.
I believe both the PM & Birtukan would like to leave legacy as leaders who made the first free and fair election happen. If that is the case, I strongly advise both of them to rethink and delay the said appointment until oppositions give full consent after having 'sufficient consultation forum.'
Many countries descended to pre and post electoral violence due to such procedural mistakes that could easily be avoided. Lets not repeat it.
By the way the existing electoral law ( 6.2) states the PM
"before nominating Board members who fulfill the criteria ensure that there has been sufficient consultation FORUM for political organizations that have seats in the HPR to ascertain that the nominees are independent and impartial."
Since no opposition has seat in the HPR, it could be argued the PM does not have any party to consult except the ruling coalition ( which he did not). But given we are trying to move from an authoritarian system which rigged the past election eliminating any opposition from parliament, and since the PM has repeatedly promised to organize free and fair election, one would assume he would consult opposition parties even they are not in HPR. Also the law clearly stipulates there has to be 'sufficient consultation FORUM' not the hush hush we are witnessing.
I believe both the PM & Birtukan would like to leave legacy as leaders who made the first free and fair election happen. If that is the case, I strongly advise both of them to rethink and delay the said appointment until oppositions give full consent after having 'sufficient consultation forum.'
Many countries descended to pre and post electoral violence due to such procedural mistakes that could easily be avoided. Lets not repeat it.
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