Wide Public Participation in General Election Shows Ethiopia’s Democratic Trajectory Stems from Nat’l Will, Says EIPD

Addis ababa: The wide public participation in the 7th General Election demonstrates that Ethiopia's democratic trajectory stems from a purely national will founded on the principles of internal dialogue, Head of the civil organization Ethiopian Institute of Public Diplomacy (EIPD), Yassin Ahmed, told the Ethiopian Agency.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the strong public momentum surrounding the electoral process sends a clear message to the international community that Ethiopia's sovereign decision-making is fully safeguarded against any external pressures or dictates.'The mass participation in determining the nation's destiny sends a clear message to the international community that the national political will emerging from within is immune to any outside pressure, and that the Ethiopian people alone hold the decisive voice in shaping their political future,' he noted.Yassin added that the organizational success, impartial oversight, and broad participation in the election further reinforces the co untry's standing as the political capital of the continent and the seat of the African Union, while presenting an inspiring and sustainable democratic experience.'As the political capital and headquarters of the African Union, Ethiopia serves as a living laboratory for the continent's success,' he observed.The Head further stressed that the success of this election - through its effective organization, credible domestic and international oversight, and broad participation - will deliver a highly significant message to the world that Africa is capable of managing its democratic transitions with maturity and efficiency.Regarding the role of the Ethiopian diaspora, Yassin expressed hope that the coming phase would witness constitutional and legal reforms enabling Ethiopians holding dual citizenship abroad to vote and participate effectively in the next 8th General Election, benefiting from their experience in long-established democratic environments.The Head concluded by issuing a strong call to citizens inside the country - especially young people casting their ballots for the first time - to shun from political apathy and vote.Yassin noted that their votes are the genuine instrument for bringing about a qualitative shift in the democratic transformation process and shaping the future of Ethiopia's domestic affairs as well as its regional and international relations.