Post-Reform Legal Reforms Reshap Ethiopia's Democratic Landscape, MPs Say

Addis Ababa, April 2, 2025 (ENA) -- Members of the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives (HPR) have stated that national reforms, particularly the revision of restrictive laws, have resulted in a substantial expansion of the country's democratic space, thereby enabling greater political freedoms.

Azmeraw Andemo, Deputy Chairperson of the House's Standing Committee on Democratic Affairs, stated that pre-reform Ethiopia suffered from a constricted democratic space and laws hindering democratic governance.

Speaking to ENA, Azmeraw emphasized the government's post-reform efforts to revise these restrictive laws, citing key revisions, such as amendments to the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, Mass Media, Human Rights, and Ombudsman Proclamations, which have been crucial in fostering a more open and inclusive political environment in the country.

He also stated that the Mass Media Proclamation's impact on media freedom and the resulting increase in diverse voices.

Azmeraw also cited the revised Electoral Proclamation's role in creating conditions for inclusive, transparent, and credible elections, facilitated by an independent electoral board, emphasizing these legal changes have expanded the country's democratic space, fostered emerging of impartial democratic institutions, and cultivated a democratic culture.

Isa Boru, Deputy Chairperson of the House's Standing Committee on Legal and Justice Affairs, on his part cited pre-reform public grievances and human rights violations.

He stated the reform government has been addressing these issues by revising repressive laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation.

According to Isa, the creation of efficient and credible justice institutions, from criminal investigations to judicial proceedings, that uphold human dignity and professional ethics and noted the significant advancements through technology-driven modernization.

The MPs concluded that national reforms have expanded Ethiopia's democratic space and established a more just, transparent, and inclusive governance system.