Ethiopian Election 2021: A Pivotal Moment for Democracy and National Unity Amidst Shifting Political Tides

The Ethiopian elections of 2021 were, to put it mildly, a rollercoaster ride. Imagine a nation yearning for democratic expression grappling with complex ethnic tensions and historical grievances – that’s Ethiopia in a nutshell. The 2021 elections promised to be a turning point, a chance for the country to chart a new course after years of political instability.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate who had swept into power in 2018 on a wave of hope and reform, faced a formidable challenge. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a powerful political force that had dominated Ethiopian politics for decades, was deeply distrustful of Abiy’s reforms.

Adding fuel to the fire were longstanding ethnic tensions between various groups within Ethiopia. The Oromo people, the largest ethnic group in Ethiopia, had long felt marginalized by the central government. Other groups, like the Amhara, also harbored historical grievances.

Against this backdrop of political and social fragility, Abiy called for elections in June 2021. However, the Tigray region, controlled by the TPLF, refused to participate, citing concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process. This boycott set the stage for a dramatic showdown that would engulf Ethiopia in conflict.

The consequences of the election were far-reaching and continue to be felt today. The Tigray War, which erupted shortly after the elections, has been a humanitarian catastrophe. Thousands have been killed and millions displaced.

Causes of the Ethiopian Election Crisis:

• Political Polarization: Deep divisions existed between Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party and the TPLF. Years of mistrust and competing ideologies made it impossible to find common ground.

• Ethnic Tensions: Ethiopia is a diverse nation with numerous ethnic groups, each with its own history and grievances. These tensions, often manipulated by political actors, contributed to instability.

• Lack of Trust in Electoral Institutions: Many Ethiopians, especially those in Tigray, lacked faith in the independence and impartiality of the electoral commission. This skepticism fuelled boycotts and protests.

• Economic Disparity: Ethiopia’s economy, while growing, has not benefited all regions equally. This disparity fueled resentment among marginalized groups.

Consequences of the Ethiopian Election Crisis:

Moving Forward: A Path to Reconciliation and Peace?

The Ethiopian elections of 2021 exposed deep-seated fissures within Ethiopian society. The subsequent conflict in Tigray has been a tragedy for all involved. While Abiy Ahmed secured a landslide victory, the lack of participation from Tigray casts a long shadow over the legitimacy of the elections.

For Ethiopia to move forward, it is imperative that:

• A ceasefire is negotiated and respected.

• Dialogue between all parties is initiated in good faith.

• Transitional justice mechanisms are established to address past human rights abuses.

• Equitable economic development is prioritized across all regions.

The path to peace and reconciliation will be arduous, but the stakes are too high to fail. The Ethiopian people deserve a future free from conflict, where their voices can be heard and their aspirations realized.

Let’s remember: while elections are crucial for democratic expression, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Building a truly inclusive and peaceful society requires addressing the underlying social, economic, and political issues that divide us.