Gov’t vows to take actions against activities violating constitutional laws

Addis Ababa, May 07, 2020 (FBC) –Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed said the government would take measures against activities violating constitutional laws so as to protect the safety and security of the public.

In a statement he issued on current affairs this morning, the premier said a need for participatory democratic system is among the growing aspirations in modern Ethiopia, adding the upcoming national election is a critical milestone to address such desire.

The government has been undertaking all the necessary preparations for the upcoming elections despite some political elites need to avoid the vote, the Prime Minister said.

He recalled the announcement made by National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) on March 31, 2020 that it cannot hold the election as per the time scheduled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Following the announcement of NEBE to postpone the election, the government was seeking options involving participation of legal expects, he said, adding the experts formulated options that help postpone the election lawfully.

Various stakeholders have discussed the options, he said, adding the House of Peoples Representatives (HPR) has approved and referred the issue of constitutional interpretation to the council of constitutional inquiry.

The Premier extended his gratitude to those who contributed constructive ideas to the government on the legal options put in place.

According to the Prime Minister those who complained on the issue of the constitutional interpretation put forward as an option to postpone the election have not legal grounds to do so.

The HPR is the highest authority of the federal government. Only the ruling Prosperity Party has a legislative power to lead the nation till COVID 19 crisis is over and the upcoming election held.

A claim by competing political parties to share power without elections is unacceptable and breaches not only the Ethiopian constitution but also international laws, he said.

The Prime Minister said the government is ready to take all the necessary measures to protect and defend the constitution.