Addis Ababa, June 8, 2021(Walta) – Researchers at the Institute of Strategic Affairs (ISA) today (June 07) have tabled the findings of two of their studies that probed into the opportunities and challenges of the upcoming general elections in Ethiopia.
Moderating the session held at the premises of the Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, ISA Director-General, Yohannes Buayalew said the studies are helpful not only in appreciating all the positive efforts of stakeholders but also in identifying major issues that need to be managed to accentuate ongoing efforts in building a democratic nation.
According to Dr. Meheretab and Dr. Amare, researchers at the institute, maximizing opportunities and minimizing barriers to making the upcoming general elections free and fair is the responsibility of stakeholders ranging from competing political parties, the media, civic society, NEBE, security officers, and the public at large.
The legal and institutional reforms, including the restructuring of NEBE, the broad media landscape as well as the opportunities created for dissident political parties to participate in the political life of the country under the new political dispensation are among the opportunities that could help the country to hold democratic elections with long term positive effects in Ethiopia.
Giving proper attention and support to alleviate problems related to logistics at NEBE, bridging communication barriers in addressing grievances of political parties and the public, strengthening the security apparatus, and minimizing the effects of extremist messages on social media through better agenda setting in the mainstream media outlets are challenges that should be tackled to go through the stages of an exemplary electoral process.
Staffers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ISA have attended the session forwarding questions and comments on the tabled studies.