Ethiopia's political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation since recent reforms, fostering a more mature political culture and expanding the space for political participation, according to Solomon Ayele, Chairperson of the Ethiopian Joint Council of Political Parties.
Established in 2010, the Joint Council works to facilitate the contribution of political parties to the development of a democratic system, he explained. Solomon discussed the current state of Ethiopian politics and democracy following the reforms.
Solomon highlighted the encouraging progress made in fostering a mature political culture and expanding the political space. Political parties are actively participating in national politics, contributing to a culture of intellectual discourse and competition of ideas. He credited the government's policy and legal reforms aimed at broadening the political landscape as significantly contributing to this positive outcome.
The resulting favorable conditions have led to a resurgence of political participation in Ethiopia. The Joint Council facilitates platforms for political parties to meet, discuss, and contribute to democratic system building. The inclusion of competing party leaders in government positions marks a new chapter in Ethiopian politics, he added.
According to ENA, Parties are actively participating in national dialogues on key issues, striving for national consensus and sustainable solutions to challenges. The Ethiopian Joint Council of Political Parties comprises 63 national and regional parties.