The opposition should go back to business!


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By: Zagwe
Following the June 15 election controversy is prevailing in Ethiopian politics. In fact, it has claimed the blood and life of fellow citizens which was unfortunate and unnecessary to say the least. For one thing
the opposition has attracted the attention of considerable number of Ethiopians and has gained unexpected victory which made it claim easily various constituencies. That is in fact the beginning of new era in Ethiopian political history a process requiring much encouragement and protection from all the stake holders.

On the other hand, it is a fact that the opposition keeps accusing the ruling party for vote rigging and other election irregularities. Since some of the accusations are justified and supported by evidence they
are constituted good ground for investigation. Demanding investigation and requesting possible correction is part and parcel of a legal, democratic and political process. It is in the interest of all to hear
complaints and attempt to correct irregularities. One is therefore, justified to use the legal forum and finalize the process in a proper manner.

But you can not complain indefinitely. One should not be naïve to assume that the election was fair and free in absolute terms. However it should be recognized that it was the first in its kind in that country.
The election process in Ethiopian context was undoubtedly a huge step
in the right direction.

However the opposition so far seems unrealistic in appreciation the political situation. After all, election is a political process: it is a means not an end by itself. One should be wise to start moving and
proceed to the next phase. Since life continues moving we are expected to move as well. Since the opposition has gained a considerable vote to establish a local government or share considerably in regional and federal parliaments it is expected to do a lot and produce public goods ad
services in line with its pledge pronounced during the election campaign.

One can not continue complaining and submitting objection to every decision rendered by the election board. Because there are always greater and more important tasks ahead where one is expected to handle. One has to remember that the business of government requires a great deal of
preparation which needs a considerable amount of work to be done. It also requires sitting and talking to your political rival.

Even though it appears far fetched, one may recall for a moment the election which led the current US president to power. There was controversy surrounding vote counting and relating matters which reached finally even at the courts. Decision was rendered favoring Bush but the rival
admitted his defeat not because the decision was right or the election in that particular constituency was correct but largely for the national interest in which the controversy was bound to bring about when it
was allowed to proceed endlessly.

What we can draw from that particular instance is that an election may not always correct even in a well fledged democracy. There may an intention to conduct fair and free election but the reality on the ground
may not allow that to happen. In addition, the place where the election took place, the balance of power among political groups their experience and history , the social development , the democratic culture and
other local, national and international factors have also their own part to play. If one takes the situation in our country we are simply novice and just beginning such democratic exercise.

On top of all, one thing is undoubtedly clear Ethiopia is a country with so many challenges. Undoubtedly, poverty its greatest but those challenges are susceptible to all types of political manipulations.
Unfortunately some political groupings and movements in the past to some
extent at present may not be in a position to show the slightest resistance in compromising vital national interests just to assume political power.

In politics as in life one should be wise not to expect an absolute happening of events. In fact politics is not as simple as an academic discourse or formulation where it is much easier to prove two plus two is
four. In addition ours is a country where power is always a result of the barrel of the gun. To break that circle of violence and destruction it requires great patience and sacrifice on our part. Our effort
should be directed to strengthen the positive tendency prevailing in our country, rather than to dwindle to undermine the little hope we are looking at the end of the tunnel.

It is incumbent upon the opposition therefore to stop arguing and complaining and go to their most important business which is expected to perform. We have to tell in no uncertain terms that it is necessary that they go back to business now.

If you and individuals like you (Ethiopians) put lower standard for your own country, is it a surprise that the Europeans and Americans are looking at us as people of lower political development? Please have some respect for your people and country, so that others will respect you, too.

Efrem, what have you done to your people so far? please ask yourself before you telling us what should be our countries standard needs, lets swallow the reality people, don’t don’t associate your country to western style democracy it’s not gone to happen anytime soon as long as we don’t respect each other.

You can call me naive, or whatever, however, here is what I believe would be beneficial for the country at this stage.
The Opposition group have given their best effort to bring about a regime change using every means they had including paying the utmost sacrifice. (Although I wasn't sure that's what would've happen if EPDRF is declared to be the looser by NEB)
We've seen the Ethiopian people's determination for democracy and fair governance by the May 8th election. Almost everyone who is legally entitled to vote came out and cast his/her choice. It's extraordinarily a big achievement.
Innocent and peace loving young citizens were killed for the sake of democracy and fair election process, opposing the vote rigging and fraud. The country was about to see the the ugliest turmoil none of us would have dreamt. Thanks be to God, that was some how avoided.
Here is where I see the opportunity for the Opposition parties slipped away from their hand. After a heavy pressure from the international organization particularly from EU and US the opposition parties were forced to sign an agreement to examine the vote rigging claim with the same NEB.
Knowing that NEB is biased from the very begining, they should demand for an independent body which sides neutral to either party. But now it is a little too late, and given the opportunity it is no surprise that EPRDF took advantage of it.
Soon, it will be announced that EPRDF and allies as a majority winners and hence allowed to form a government.
What would be considered a nice strategy for the opposition parties particularly CUD and UEDF to follow? Should they reject the whole process and call for total re-election? How do you go about that?
or accept every bit of democratic achievement gained including the number of votes they win in various areas and join the parliament.
Will they be effective to the country forming the multi-pary government this way?

Well, I am sure they can be very effective exposing the many hidden personalitis of the EPRDF very easily.
At least the people will have some one they trust watching their interest at every sector of the country.
I know EPRDF will be under the microscope and will have no hidden agenda to trick people or atleast none of its agenda will be executed with out suspicious eye from the Oppositions.
Most of all, the people's voice will be heard and their needs will be conveyed to the parliament with the Opposition Parties representatives. In my mind I have no doubt the Opposition Parties won the majority of the vote. God knows how the NEB handled it.
So, my friends, what I think is best for the country is that they accept their gain and continue the fight (poletically) by forming the minority government. I know it is easy for me to say this, however, it might be a living hell to work with EPRDF. Well, that's one more sacifice we ask them for the sake of Ethiopia and its people who are in misery of hunger, poverty, disease, illetracy ... etc. Our people needs their leader, their guide, their sons and daughters who will release them from this chain of misery.

On the other hand, we in the diaspora need to be supportive of the Opposition Parties, loyally and unconditionally. In fact we should all be a registered member of the parties we chose and must make material contribution both financially and morally.
May God give support to those who struggle to lift the counry out of this misery.

Please note that, I am not a poletician, nor a knowledgeable person in political afairs and hence forgive me if I offend you in any ways.

R/S,

Ha Gedelu

Email: defar@yahoo.com

City: Alexandria

Ha Gedlu:

Are you condeming the people of Ethiopia to 5 more years of misery, famine, repression, tyranny... ? How could you wish such horrible existence for your people? The people of Ethiopia have spoken. Now it's up to the leaders they elected to to show leadership. Otherwise, they should move over so that the real leaders who can lead, such as Lidetu and others, can lead.

(I was going to reply to open letter to--Somali Democratic Council--but it got deleted.)

To the hundreds of Ethiopians who lost their loved ones by Meles’ Agazi army and to those who are being tortured in prison at different places of Ethiopia, you just send a message that you don’t care and they deserved to be killed and tortured. And also you send a message to all those millions of Ethiopians who stand in line for hours and voted for the opposition party that they don’t deserve to be heard. How could you ignore all the sufferings of Ethiopian people by the hands of Meles? I wonder how many millions of dollars this letter cost to Ethiopian people. No wonder why the whole Africa is corrupted. What a shameful, despicable and inconsiderate act to write this kind of letter while Ethiopian young students are being tortured.

I agree that the opposition should go back to business; that is, the business of organizing, leading, and staging the people's business - fighting injustice and oppression. Ethiopia will not be free by begging the west and playing small time games with Woyane. As the saying goes FREEDOM IS NOT FREE. Freedom costs struggle and long and enduring struggle. I have beeing crying this for many years- UNITE TO WIN, DIVIDE TO LOSE. As it stand, the structure of parties will not lead to victory. Until we change how the opposition is structured [organized] there will never be victory. Ditto....

Zagwe,
You appear to have a genuine concern for the problem Ethiopia and Ethiopians are facing. However, your analysis is very simplistic. You are saying it is ok for the peoples vote to be taken away (STOLEN) by the party with guns since the opposition has gained few more seats than in earlier elections. Frankly the number of votes the opposition parties won does not mean anything in a parliment where decisions are made by a majority block vote. There is not a single person in EPRDF who will dare to vote against Melese's wish. What ever gain you are talking about exists only in your mind. By the way, my concern is not about getting majority seat for the opposition parties. My concern is about institutionalizing a system that fully protects the rights of the people to appoint the party of their choosing at the helm of the government.

Appeasing dictators in the name of pragmatism, peace, security, etc. is a baloony. True peace can only be achieved when and only when the right of the people to choose their leaders is respected, not just in words for the consumption of the international community, but in deed. How can you, in good conscious say, we are moving in the right direction, by allowing the party that the Ethiopian people voted out of office to stay in power? Is not the peaceful struggle about reasserting the rights of the people?

Your attempt to compare the day light robbery that is going on in Ethiopia with the 2000 election problem in the US is quite a stretch and in bad taste.

Folks,

Really, what’s all this exercise in futility, aren't you by now aware of the fact that Tim Clarke is simply and errand boy whose only purpose is to deliver a message between EU & USA, and between the ruling party and the opposition.

Get over it, Tim Clark makes nor has the power to change minds as he has no influence over anyone party. Remember, Tim Clarke dismissed Ana Gomez at the behest and insistence of Meles Zenawi, because of her assertive demands for a independent and transparent conduct by NEB and castigating Meles for attempting to incite ethnic violence by making the speeches in which he invoked interhamwe like massacre.

For all exhaustive purposes, neither Tim Clarke nor the US congressman are in a position to alter the position that USA and EU have decided to maintain stability under tyranny over democracy with assured stability. Ironically Condi Rise and her mentor Bush gave impressive lip services to the world espousing to stand with nations aspiring democracy...bal...bla bla...bla. As far as US & EU are concerned, they have made their desire abundantly clear to the opposition party. I suggest you go back and re-read Tim Clarke's message of last week to the opposition party.

As I said all along in my aggravation and disappointments as any frustrated and disappointed genuine fellow Ethiopian, the fate of Ethiopia and the realization of our democratic aspiration lies in the hands of the Ethiopian people and not in the benevolence of the EU, UK, USA, Condi Rise, Tony Blair or Tim Clarke, nor Jimmy Carter.

The opposition party would be more effective if it acted under the auspices and collective power of its constituents and the Ethiopian people by (a) rejecting the election results as fraudulent and defective, (b) demanding the abolition of the existing NEB, (c) creation of a neutral board comprising of the ruling party, the opposition parties, and a fresh army of international observers excluding the carter center. Following that, the opposition should put the world on notice, organize a coordinated massive peaceful public demonstration in every major urban and rural areas of the country with the involvement of all public and civic organizations for however long it takes with determination and vigilance. The Ethiopian people are ready for it if the collective leaderships of the opposition party has the chutzpah.

Anything short of this viable option will only strengthen and legitimize TPLF/Meles' rule of oppressions and assured retribution.

It was apparent from early on that Tim Clarke was covertly setting up the opposition and working for the proponents of the ruling party under the facade of a seeming mediator/ambassador. To those of you who your hopes and faith on Tim Clarke, SHAME ON YOU!!

As Empress Taitu wisely and fittingly observed early on in history "Engliz letenkole neu yetefeterew"

"Yalteretere temenetere"

Folks, this is where the rubber meets the road!

Beheg-Amlack

The oppositions have to do two things the same time. As they are the true representatives of the people, they have to behave the responsible leaders giving the first priority to the people. They have to have mutual understanding and unity in them. They need to be clean from selfishness behaviours to get some kind of positions while the time is demanding from everyone concentrating only one thing, that is the gorilla originated criminal TPLF cadres crime must end now. The oppositions have to act as state men and women telling and teaching the people their vision to the country future and do what ever it takes to get international friendship and support. What we have to understand is that we are living in the global world. Our relationship with the international community is almost the same as our relationship with ourselves. The oppositions have to have meeting with the civic organizations, with international organizations, with diplomats and have to have close contact with foreign countries if it is possible they have to make visits, too. They have to show their people their presence in the country with bold character. As they are doing right now, they need more involvements and ties with the private newspapers to inform and teach the people about the situation in the country. They have to approach the country medias which are serving right now only to spread the TPLF lie, the military, the police and other institutions to show them your stand that you are from the Ethiopian people to the Ethiopian people. Not from the Tigrian people using the majority the Ethiopian people for the Tigrian people as TPLF cadres are doing. We all have to understand that those in the media, military, police or other institutions who are working under few uneducated and incompetent TPLF cadres also have enough with TPLF. They are true Ethiopian. It is very important to include them with the struggle of the Ethiopian people against the TPLF cadres. Those for some reasons are still working for TPLF like those in the Media, police, Military etc, have responsibility to stand for the truth. The truth is the Ethiopian people, not TPLF. The truth is TPLF cadres are trying to take power stealing the innocent and hard working rural Ethiopia. They took power by force 14 years a go. TPLF and EPLF invaded Ethiopia. Under TPLF Ethiopia became the biggest landlocked country in the world. Is there any Ethiopia out there who is healthy who is willing to forgive little Meles and his TPLF members for this crime? They declared Ethnic policy in order they be able to rule the country for years with division and the same time they became able to have develop tigry after they took lands from Gonder and Wollo. Is there any Gondere or wolloye who will accept this decision? Even if the current weak generation from these area accept the defeat, the generations to come will never accept being humera, metema --- part of the stony Tigry. The Tigrian must understand that you will never have like own even a centimetre from the land you took by force.
They opposition have to at least be side by side if not ahead with the people rather than the people ahead on them. All in all their first priority has to concentrate about nation building under their leadership.
The second one has to be regarding the election result. They have to play good games here. The Mother and daughter relationship, TPLF and NEBE is known to everyone. Even the farmers know how these criminals cheated the election from the hard working, innocent and faithful rural people. As an example, we can see what did happen in East Gojjam. The people of Gojjam are the most homogeny people in Ethiopia. They have the same language, culture, religion and tradition. The people of Gojjam are known with their unity like one closed family, as their home is fenced naturally with Nile. There is no way the people of gojjam would divide either with idea or action especially with important matter such as the may 15 national election. But according to NEBE and TPLF joint conspiracy using some local kehadis as proxy, they declared to the Ethiopian people that west Gojjam went to the opposition while we have won in east Gojjam. Here I have to laugh. East Gojjam chose TPLF? Where is Belay Zeleke, Wobale, Bamlaku ---Soma Bereha, Bichena, Motta, Basso, Debai Telat gend, Enesse, Gozamen---? Are they known to be kneeling down to bandas such as the father and grandfather of little meles were? East Gojjam or all Gojjam is known with hard work, heroism, strong, believer and optimism. How these Evil TPLF leaders and their early born baby NEBE even assumed to cheat the heroic people of east Gojjam this way? Do they still think their proxy few among the people of gojjam will continue working for them to hurt their own people? I know all those who are working for TPLF soon rather than later will join the people of Gojjam and the Ethiopian people to intensify the struggle against few evil criminal cadres from the smallest province of Ethiopia, Tigry. The land they took from Gonder and Wollo will never be part of their stony province. The national and international known border to the province of Gonder is Sudan in the west and Kunama in Eritrea. Woyane will never stay on power by stealing the election from the heroic farmers in East Gojjam and Gonder. Addisu legese became vice premier after he worked hard to give vast and fertile land from Gonder to woyane. An eritrean Agent, Bereket Simon who is acting as if he is from Lalibella, worked hard in order the vast land from wollo added to Tigry. More than half of the present Tigry territory comes from Gonder and Wollo. The road to create greater Tigry is working this way.
We know what is going on in the development field in Tigry for the last 14 years. They have got 37 seats without election process in Tigry. But they are declaring, “We have got more than 300 seats to rule the country.” Don't be foolish, the Ethiopian people. I love and respect you. I decided long a go to die and to lose everything I have. But sometimes I’m angry, when I see your respond to matters that are very essential for your existence. How is it possible still you are reluctant and careless and tolerant when you know for the last 14 years the snakes are injecting their venom to paralyse and kill you? You know who they are. But you are not taking actions to stop them. Why? Are you happy to live a life the way they are treating you. You have witnessed many things especially the last 14 years despite their crime started 30 years in Tigry. Look how their puppet x-parliament did concerning Addis Ababa before it disappear from its crime seen. All financial, social and cultural benefit to the Addis Ababa residents transferred to the Federal to hurt the Addis Ababa and to make the situation for the Oppositions. This shows how they are determined to take power by any means when they worked hard to strength the power in the federal. That means again they will be prime minister, foreign minister, interior minister, diplomats and etc and this way all resources and decision will fall on them. This way their building in Tigry will continue.

First the people of Addis Ababa are 4-5 million. In Tigry, there are 3,5 million among them are also millions those non-Tigrians who are living in the stolen land from Gonder and Wollo. The people of Addis Ababa are well educated and are the centre of the country matters. Yet Addis Ababa have 23 seats while the same time people in Tigry that have very limited knowledge and influence about political and economic, and social activities comparing to the Addis Ababans, have 37 seats. This is TPLF desperate move to have as much as more seats by any means. EPRDF, There is no any justification when a very minority coalition members have to get the highest position posts in the country and diplomatic posts in abroad. There is no justification 37 seats in the parliament have to dominate and dictate the rest of the seats. Until now many crime did happen against the Ethiopians because of explained and unexplained reasons. The majority have to rule. These Gorilla originated TPLF leaders have not elected even by the people of Tigry. You know. There was no opposition candidate there. They forced the tigry people to become as one like an enemy force against the Ethiopian People. The oppositions and the people, we have many reasons to tell the TPLF regime, your criminal time in Ethiopia is over. Don't give them time. They have always nightmares related to horror films. If you give them time, they will continue making horrors in our country. The oppositions need to be very visible about the country matters. Since 15 may TPLF cadres are not anymore the legitimate leaders to Ethiopia despite we know the last 14 years they were illegal regimes too.

God will give the Ethiopian people strength. God give us abilities to stand for us. We have to have action. Only pray to God is not enough at the time our country is invaded by Satan worshipers. Our love to God and our people combined with practical action will be the only solution. Don’t talk much. Act accordingly.

Email: Ghion@hotmail.com