hearings on constitutional matters continues discussing several issues

Addis Ababa, May 18, 2020 (FBC) – The hearing organized by Council of Constitutional inquiry has continued today accommodating several comments of long serving scholars and legal experts on the constitutional interpretation process a wide range of related issues.

Today’s hearing is a continuity of the hearing platform started last Saturday discussing written amicus curiae brief of legal experts on the matter of constitutional interpretation submitted to the council by HPR.

The council is currently scrutinizing the written amicus curiae brief presented by legal experts starting from Saturday, the chairperson, Meaza Ashenafi noted.

In today’s session, long serving experts who contributed to the adoption, drafting and approval of the constitution have participated.

Professor Andreas Eshete who was member of the think-tank which involved in the adoption of the draft constitution during the transitional time commented on the constitutional interpretation process and other constitutional matters.

Professor Andreas appreciated the council for inviting legal experts and scholars to comment on the interpretation process.

Saying that the constitution has a bold purpose of ensuring sovereignty of the people through its direct and indirect participation in the democratization process, Professor Andreas added it entertains both individual and group rights and regulates power and authority of the government.

Having said any democratic constitution do not allow the government to decide on its tenure, Professor Andreas said the postponement of the elections and handling of current circumstances need a great deal of consultations among the government, competing political parties and the general public.

He said the government has a lion’s share in handling national issues including the elections during time hardships like the current COVID 19 pandemic.

Ambassdor Abdulaziz Mohammed, who took part in the approval of the constitution, to his part, said there will not be a power vacuum for members of the parliament are constitutionally entrusted with handling national issues including tackling of the pandemic until the next elections are held.

Dr. Tesema Gaddisa who was one of the members of the then constitutional approval council, to his part said election is set as a mandatory provision in the document.

“Since some political and human rights are limited during state of emergency decree based on article 93 (1)” said Ambassador Abdulaziz adding “the postponement of the elections is acceptable”

The highest authority of the government, the parliament jointly with national Electoral Board of Ethiopia decides on what shall be done during the period of the period of postponement of the election, Ambassaor Abudlaziz underlined.

Other legal experts also reflected their views on options to be taken in line with the postponement of the national elections.