Comments on: Ethiopia in Constitutional Crises?

By: Amare10

Amare10 — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:33:55 +0000

I confer the highest honor to Al Mariam. He has dedicated his life to deliverance of Ethiopia. Al Mariam, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

By: Neb

Neb — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:42:29 +0000

I don’t think there is a constitutional crises per-say. The constitution is clear as to what the functions of the DPM is in that, the DPM is supposed to function as substitute PM, per the instructions of the PM, in the temporary absence of the PM. The caveat here is, if the absence of the PM, who is now out for close to 40 days, at an undisclosed location and unidentified health condition constitutes a temporary absence.

If it is the case that the PM’s absence is other than temporary, then the constitution is also clear in how a new PM is appointed. The constitution also states that it is for the “winning” party to assign the PM. So basically, in this case EPRDF gets to elect on from amongst its members.

What is of an issue here is EPRDF’s internal representation mechanism. The executive of the EPRDF is composed of 36 members with each of the four member parties contributing 9 representatives to the executive body. This will be the body that will elect the next PM if there is a need to have a new one.

Now it is no secrete that EPRDF structure doesn’t allow for PROPORTIONAL representation into the executive with overwhelming balance tilt towards the TPLF. That is why no one considers the contending 3 other member parties to EPRDF as serious delegates and are outright dismissed as ‘puppets”. It remains to be seen if the other 3 member parties flex their muscle and ask for PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION or remain EPRDF side-kicks worthy of ridicule. Many in the OPDO and ANDM membership are already discussing this issue and the PROPORTIONAL representation will start bracing the news media where TPLF would have to have an answer to it. It also remains to be seen how TPLF will react to this request.

In any case, my take is that there is not constitutional crisis….. but
1)an issue of defining what is a temporary absence and
2)the proportionality of the representation of the executive of EPRDF that will elect the next PM… if that is the direction that the health condition of the PM requires.

By: Observer

Observer — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:15:47 +0000

Remarkable scholarly analysis!

By: M.F

M.F — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 09:13:39 +0000

Well analysed and written yes power handlers are hidden from the public eyes only actors play the blue print script. Hence meles was an actor he played the constitution written 1995. I wonder who the power elites will elect as the main actor for the new upcoming constitutions

By: Yacob

Yacob — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:34:15 +0000

Meles Zenawi is weak from having epilepsy multiple seizures every hour or so. The mouth of Abebe Gellaw is responsible for Meles having these episodes. The only succesor Meles is considering is his son Senay Meles Zenawi. The constitution of Ethiopia is stolen and modified to Meles Zenawi’s liking time and time again. It is not surprising if we see Meles Zenawi puts his son as his only succesor .

By: FedUp

FedUp — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 04:54:57 +0000

All of the above analysis is meaningless. Bear with me. How did Meles Zenawi become the Prime Minister? The ruling party (the party with a majority in the Parliament) nominated him and he was approved by the Parliament. In case he dies, or is incapacitated, the same process that brought him the prime ministership will be used. The Parliament will be called for an emergency meeting and a new Prime Minister appointed. If your question is about what happens in the time between the announcement of his death and the convocation of Parliament, then I fail to see where the crisis lies.