My grounds, as before and usual, are based on and considerate of Ethiopian history
and current developments on the ground. It should however be made clear that my
discussion of leadership qualities does not necessarily and officially assume any
regime change in the foreseeable future. Though the Ethiopian government
promised that the prime minister would be back to office work in few days (it has
been now seven weeks rather), we did not see the country’s most influential person
to date. This leaves the implication that the governing party may be considering
leadership succession early/ noting that EPRDF has already promised to bring new
generation of leaders to the fore. Moreover, the next election is already on the
horizon. All these seem to indicate that it is just a matter of time before we get a
new leader. It is thus relevant and timely for citizens to talk about the
characteristics of their leader in good time.
My major point is that, in addition to leaders’ emotional and intellectual maturity,
their demographic characteristics must be discussed about. This is particularly
relevant to Ethiopia, as the last three decades saw the vivid significance of these
factors at national and individual levels. In a way, Ethiopia really needs a
significant change and that change must begin from the characteristics/background
of her leader. The following are some of the issues that I found worth to raise.
President vs Prime Minister
My personal take is that the president should assume the highest office of the
nation. Ethiopia cannot afford to hire a lame president who is busy cutting cakes
and greeting incoming and outgoing ambassadors. The president should preside on
virtually every major issue of the country. It just feels great to be represented at the
international arena by a president than by a minister.
Elected vs Appointed
The president must be democratically elected by the people rather than by the
parliament or the governing party. If the later appoints the president, manipulation
might be put at work, we have seen it several times. Appointment will be an
obstacle for the president to exercise real power freely. My vote must hire the
president.
Female vs Male
We have been ruled by gentlemen for centuries and centuries. Although gender in
its own right could not be a determinant factor for success or otherwise, it feels
great to have a woman president. This is something we never tried before. If we do
it now, we will have a completely different dynamics and that would be used as a
model for the entire female population who seems passive in decision making and
politics. Women for sure have several qualities that outsmart men’s.
Senior vs Young
During the last three decades, we have been ruled by men aged in their 30s. And
presidency is the highest position of a nation that needs the highest level of
maturity. Unfortunately, our previous leaders governed us much by their emotions
and arms than by their intellect and judgment. So I will not vote for a president who
is not say over 50. But am not saying that age is by itself a satisfactory condition;
maturity correlates with age.
Muslim vs Christian
The other factor is religious background of the president. Should our next leader be
a Muslim or a Christian? There is some indication that people from both religions
try to run for the highest office. It is commendable if it is intended for the service of
national interest. The ugly thing will be if they see power as a means to make any
form of favor to respective religions. This is one of the most evil things one could
do to Ethiopia. And we have to condemn this bogusness by the harshest terms
available. My take is that my president could be a Muslim or a Christian but she
must keep her religion at bay. She is as free to practice her religion as ordinary
citizens but should make sure she treats all religions squarely.
Highly Educated vs Educated
I do not expect my president to hold a doctorate degree. Nor I do accept a
minimally educated one. Nor I tolerate one that is close-minded. The president
must be well aware of socio/economic and political developments at the global and
national levels; she must have a matured emotional intelligence and excellent
analytic and problem solving skills. To me, being educated is being responsible,
accountable, open-minded, tolerant, compassionate, decisive, insightful,
considerate, ambitious, realistic, and perseverant.
Ethnic Background
Ethiopia is one of the most mosaic nations in the world, mothering over 80 different
ethnic groups. I do not mind if my president is from dominant (e.g. Oromo, Amhara)
or minority nationalities as long as she demonstrates the qualities am talking about.
Indeed, I will be extra glad if the president comes from the tiniest ethnicities. That
should be celebrated as it is one powerful way of ensuring social equity and
justice.
Diaspora vs Local
Should an Ethiopian Diaspora become a president? There are at least two issues
here. One, due mainly to political and social injustices back home, well educated
and respected citizens are leaving the nation in exodus. North American and
European and lately African organizations and institutions are their employers now.
So one could easily find a potentially competent president from abroad. Two,
Ethiopians residing in Ethiopia are the ones who vividly know and understand all
the conditions strangling Ethiopia. They could better manage issues if they run and
win the presidency. If I have to make a choice, it would be edifying to see a local
Ethiopian taking the noblest office. That will leave an important message- the
concept of self rule and the limitless of human potential even amidst harsh
environments. Am not saying the Diaspora are foreigners or alien to Ethiopian
reality. Am just acknowledging and rewarding those people who keep on pushing
the boundaries under very trying circumstances. The Diaspora could be better off if
they engage in technical, scientific, and business fronts.
—
The writer blogs at http://tekluabate.blogspot.no and can be reached at [email protected]
