THE PROLIFERATION OF ETHNIC BASED POLITICAL PARTIES IN POST 1991 ETHIOPIA: A THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY FOR TRANSITION TO DEMOCRACY?

Abstract

The advent of democracy needs strong, institutionalized and viable alternative political parties that participate and alternate on political power. However, Ethiopia`s experience since 1991 shows the spread of weak ethnic based political parties that threatened the countries attempt for transition for democracy. The main focus of this study was examining the proliferation of ethnic based political parties in post 1991 Ethiopia: a threat or an opportunity for transition to democracy? To achieve this, the study identified the fundamental causes for the spread of ethnic based political parties; investigated the roles played by ethnic based political parties in country`s attempt to transition to democracy; examined major threats posed & opportunities for the transition to democracy and explored mechanisms to reduce threats. Methodologically, qualitative research approach and explanatory case study design was employed. In doing so, primary and secondary data sources were used. The primary data was collected by an in-depth interview and focus group discussion with key informants of political science experts and political party leaders selected by using purposive sampling technique. The secondary data was collected from related literatures, documents and media archives. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected from primary and secondary sources. The main finding of this study revealed that, the mobilization of ethnic based political parties in post 1991 Ethiopia was mostly caused by pushing factors from the side of incumbent government, external interest and being naïve towards democratic political system. The roles played by ethnic based political parties in post 1991 Ethiopia's attempt for transition towards democracy have their own contribution even though they were not successful in institutionalization; lagging to be an alternative political force and their successfulness depends on how they can balance their ethnic agenda with national one. The fundamental threats posed by ethnic based political parties in post 1991 Ethiopia's attempt for transition towards democracy were putting the country on sever test of disintegration by causing national security problems like ethnic extremism, violation of human rights, ethnic conflicts, hate speech and backsliding to armed insurgence. It directly threatens transition towards democracy by weakening the opposition; creating political polarization; making ethnic nationalism as center of mobilization than ideology; ethicizing of political power and splitting of valuable vote. Even though ethnic based political parties in post 1991 Ethiopia brought some opportunities like maintaining state stability; institutional experience; better representation and center of practice for democratic governance. However, given their weak institutionalization, fragmentation, lack of devising alternative policy and having exclusive political agenda made their pioneering role doesn't have a meaningful influence on country`s attempt for transition towards democracy. Therefore, the study concluded that, the proliferation of ethnic based political parties in post 1991 Ethiopia posed a substantial threat on Ethiopia`s attempt for transition to democracy than being an opportunity. Reconsidering the constitutional, structural, institutional design and conducting an open, grass root level and inclusive dialogue for national consensus and national reconciliation were recommended to make transition towards democracy possible. .