Democracy is the Answer! Defend Democracy – Defend the Future

What is happening?

Societies in transition or with democratic aspirations encounter multiple challenges and conflicting interests to respond to and accommodate almost at a time. Most of the time, such challenges and interests coupled with the limited resources and institutional experience and capacity these societies have, lead to violent conflicts out of the need to fulfilling one’s needs forcefully. This is particularly common in developing countries including Ethiopia.

Nonetheless, such forceful interventions never result in a sustainable and stable society whose questions are sustainably addressed. The only answer to our questions and the only sustainable means to accommodate the interests of various groups is achieving democracy.

Why does it matter?

The trend of resorting to violence for conflicting political interests or in demand of answers to popular questions has become commonplace in Ethiopia. For instance, according to data from Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), between January 2022 and January 2023, a total of 1,258 political violence was registered in Ethiopia, out of which about half were targeting civilians. The violence claimed a total of 6,797 deaths.

Democratic alternatives, nonetheless, will avert such calamities and set a standard under which various interests are accommodated and different questions are answered. Democracies are the best system to ensure sustainable peace and incremental progress. 

What can you do?

Stay Informed – Always remain abreast with new developments in your community and evaluate decisions based on democratic principles such as participations, inclusivity, rule of law, freedom of expression, assembly, peaceable demonstration, majority consent, minority protection, fair and periodic elections, check and balance between government branches, and popular sovereignty.

Get Involved/Participate – Be an active participant in major decision-making processes in your community such as elections, referendums, public hearings, and consultations, and give inputs. Do not wait until someone starts an initiative; take a lead to mobilize your community for civic engagement and to claim your civic rights and to hold authorities in check.

Voice – Democracy does not only need at your participation, it also requires your proactive claim of citizenry rights. Accountability for failure to deliver by the government is an important aspect of it. For accountability to prevail, you need to voice your concerns and point out wrongdoings in every day life of yours.