Ethiopia looking to reform electoral system – PM Hailemariam Desalegn

Current electoral system excludes many voters

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said Tuesday his administration wants to reform an electoral system that has excluded many, and prompted months of protests.

The protests, which first began in November 2015, threaten Ethiopia’s reputation as an oasis of political stability, as well as its double-digit growth, a magnet for investment.

“We have 49 percent of voices who are not represented in the parliament even though they have voted for the opposition, because of the electoral system,” he told journalists.

“We want to reform the electoral system so the voices of those who are not represented can also be heard in the parliament. Because of this electoral system 51 percent of votes is enough to win all the seats.”

Hailemariam’s administration is facing its biggest challenge in the 25 years since coming to power.

When he succeeded Ethiopia’s former leader Meles Zenawi, who died in 2012, Hailemariam said he was committed to opening up the country’s political system to allow more space for opposition parties.”

“Our democratization process is still nascent. It’s fledgling – we want to go further in opening up political space and engagement with civil society groups,” added Hailemariam.

Source: AFP