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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Opposition Politics and Ethnicity in Ethiopia: We Will All Go Down Together
Author:Joireman, Sandra F.ISNI
Year:1997
Periodical:Journal of Modern African Studies
Volume:35
Issue:3
Period:September
Pages:387-407
Language:English
Geographic term:Ethiopia
Subjects:ethnicity
opposition parties
Politics and Government
Ethnic and Race Relations
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/161748
Abstract:The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) regime was constituted in July 1991 on the basis of a transitional charter which gave it power for two years, during which time Ethiopians were expected to elect a constituent assembly, to write a new constitution, and to organize national elections. During and after the transition there was dissent among opposition parties leading to their eventual refusal to participate in the electoral process. The 'nationalities question' has been at the centre of the conflict in Ethiopia for many years, and is closely linked to controversies regarding the legitimacy of those in power. This article traces the origins and platforms of the various political parties that have had a relatively open forum for opposition since 1991; evaluates their effectiveness both in providing a viable alternative to the regime in power and in aggregating the interests of the different societal and ethnic groups; and examines the future of democracy in Ethiopia. It pays attention to the 1992 elections, the 1993 Peace and Reconciliation Conference, the 1994 Constituent Assembly elections, and the 1995 national and regional elections. It concludes that there is a need in Ethiopia for a resurgence of civic responsibility among the existing political parties, as well as the development of new multi-ethnic organizations. Notes, ref.
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