Addis Abeba: The “Caucus of Opposition Parties” (CoP) denounced a recent Policy Studies Institute (PSI) study that suggested constitutional reform.
The study paper, titled “FDRE Constitution after three decades: Inquiring into whether and what to alter,” was delivered to a small group in Addis Abeba for discussion.
CoP called the precedent “very troubling,” calling the research “a methodologically defective wish list of certain quarters, and above all an inopportune initiative.”
It was “unfortunate that such a skewed report is provided to the public at this important juncture of our country’s history where the deadliest war just concluded and we are still in the thick of battle in much of Oromia.”
The study, which focused on group rights provisions of the constitution, was criticised by constitutional specialists and debated online by media and activists.
The survey also examined ethnic-based political parties and found that most respondents opposed their creation.
The CoP, which includes Oromia and Somali opposition parties like the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC), Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), and Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF), told Addis Standard that “such papers are not only misleading, but can also lead our country into more chaos” because there is “very little consensus” on constitutional reform.
“It should not be forgotten that the “I can do it alone” approach has lead the country into the perpetual catastrophe… for decades in which millions died and millions more were displaced,” the Caucus said.
The Caucus also questioned the study’s methodology, which found that 75% of 1,123 respondents wanted Ethiopia’s constitution amended.
“It is alarming that the so-called research has been performed without scientific objectivity, and as can be seen from the methodology and our own observation, it is intended to suit a concealed political interest of particular circles and contains very false findings. It is vital to stress that politicising scientific research for narrow political interests and personal profits can quickly threaten the foundation of our already vulnerable stability and the prospects for democratic transition “CoP remarked.
The CoP called for “real national conversation and a broad-based agreement” among Ethiopia’s political factions on “the future Ethiopian government is constituted, as well the political system is organised” rather than constitutional reform.
The Caucus also asked the ruling party and government structures to ensure “the right to self-determination of the nations, nationalities and the peoples of Ethiopia” as per the constitution when dealing with the demands of various peoples, such as the Wolaita’s referendum to prevent “unnecessary conflict and bloodshed.” AS
