Lack of Political Will and the Failure to Build Good Governance and Democracy in Ethiopia:

Lack of Political Will and the Failure to Build Good Governance and Democracy in Ethiopia: 

The Ethiopian Constitution, ratified in 1995, introduced a unique federal arrangement based on ethnic lines to promote self-determination, equality, democracy, and good governance. However, despite its progressive language and structural promises, Ethiopia has struggled to achieve the democratic ideals outlined in its constitutional framework. A critical factor behind this persistent failure is the chronic absence of genuine political will to fully implement the constitution in both letter and spirit.

1. The Constitution on Paper vs. Political Practice

Ethiopia’s constitution envisions a decentralised federal system that provides unprecedented rights to “Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples,” including the right to self-determination and secession (Article 39). It promises human rights, democracy, equality, and the rule of law. However, these provisions have remained mainly symbolic because political actors, especially those in power, have selectively applied the constitution to maintain control rather than to empower the people.

Successive Ethiopian governments have used the constitution more as a political instrument than a binding social contract. Instead of nurturing democratic institutions, they often prioritised regime survival and the consolidation of power. This selective implementation has bred systemic contradictions between constitutional theory and political reality.

2. The EPRDF Era: Controlled Federalism and Authoritarian Tendencies

The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), which governed from 1991 to 2019, used ethnic federalism as a governance strategy and control mechanism. While regional states were granted constitutional sovereignty and self-rule, the central government tightly controlled political, economic, and security affairs through party structures and loyal cadres. Elections were routinely manipulated, dissent was suppressed, and opposition parties were marginalised.

The EPRDF leadership lacked the political will to allow genuine competition or regional autonomy when it threatened their grip on power. The result was the rise of authoritarianism disguised as ethnic federalism, where the promise of democracy was subordinated to the regime's survival.

3. Post-EPRDF: Continuity of Political Deficits

Abiy Ahmed's rise and the formation of the Prosperity Party in 2019 were initially seen as a new chapter that might revive constitutional integrity and good governance. Abiy’s rhetoric emphasised national unity, liberalisation, and reconciliation. However, the deep-seated political culture of dominance, exclusion, and centralisation persisted.

The country’s inability to resolve electoral disputes, ethnic violence, and regional boundary conflicts demonstrates that the political elite across administrations have consistently lacked the commitment to build democratic consensus, strengthen institutions, and enforce constitutional rights equitably.

4. The Consequences of Political Neglect

The failure to foster political will and good governance has had grave consequences for Ethiopia:

• Ethnic Conflicts: The absence of impartial governance and inclusive dialogue has exacerbated ethnic tensions and led to recurring violence across regions.
• Institutional Weakness: Key democratic institutions, including the judiciary, electoral board, and media, remain fragile and often subservient to ruling elites.
• Human Rights Violations: Systematic repression of dissent, arbitrary arrests, and media censorship have undermined civil liberties.
• Legitimacy Crisis: The state's failure to address grievances has eroded public trust in the constitution and the government’s ability to act as a neutral arbiter.

5. The Path Forward: Building Genuine Democracy

For Ethiopia to transition toward stable democracy and good governance, political will must be redefined as the commitment to uphold constitutional principles, even when they challenge the ruling party’s interests. This requires:

• Strengthening Institutions: The judiciary, parliament, electoral commission, and human rights bodies must operate independently.
• Inclusive Dialogue: Ethiopia’s political future depends on creating an inclusive platform accommodating all nationalities and political actors.
• Constitutional Fidelity: Selective or opportunistic application of constitutional articles must end. The constitution should guide governance, not just the parts that benefit those in power.
• Accountability: Leaders must be held accountable through transparent systems that prevent the abuse of power.

Conclusion

Ethiopia’s constitutional promises have not materialised because of a deep-seated lack of political will, not necessarily because the constitutional structure is inherently flawed. Without leaders who genuinely commit to democratic principles and without empowered institutions that can hold power accountable, the cycle of instability, ethnic division, and bad governance will likely continue. Ethiopia’s challenge is not to rewrite its constitution but to develop the political maturity and integrity required to implement it faithfully.