OP-ED Opinion

2026 Election: Because Nothing Says “Stability” Like Another Grand Democratic Spectacle

Posted on: 2025-12-09 21:18:53 | Last updated: 2026-01-15 06:27:29

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So, mark your calendars, because Ethiopia has officially chosen June 1, 2026 as the day the country will once again engage in its favorite national ritual: the general election. The Ethiopian National Election Board has spoken, and with that simple announcement, we are expected to believe that a new era of transparency, fairness, and democratic brilliance is right around the corner. After all, if history has taught us anything, it’s that setting a date magically solves everything.

Let’s all take a moment to appreciate the optimism behind this announcement. The 6th general election, according to the official narrative, laid the “foundation” for a democratic system. Yes, a foundation. Maybe not a fully functioning structure, but definitely… something. A rugged, uneven foundation, perhaps. But fear not! The 7th general election will surely build on this remarkable concrete slab of progress. Because as we all know, nothing strengthens democracy like repeating the same process and expecting dramatically different results.

Of course, the Prosperity Party has assured us, once again, that the election will be “free, fair, and fully democratic.” Absolutely. Why wouldn’t we believe that? In fact, one might wonder if the mere repetition of these words over the years has now given them magical powers. Perhaps this time, through sheer determination and the force of national will, democracy will suddenly blossom like a stubborn desert flower.

The ruling party’s declaration that it is committed to erecting a strong, institution-based democratic system is heartwarming. Truly. And their insistence that ideological politics will flourish brings a tear to the eye. After all, who wouldn’t want ideological politics flourishing in a country that has been wrestling with political fragmentation, conflict, and deep mistrust? What could possibly go wrong?

As for the political reforms of recent years, we are told that they have brought “fundamental results.” Indeed, nothing says “fundamental results” quite like widespread skepticism, contested narratives, and institutional fatigue. But don’t worry, the promise of institutional strength is always just over the horizon. And building democratic culture takes time, they say. A lot of time. So much time, in fact, that sometimes it feels like time is the only thing being built.

Citizens are, of course, encouraged to participate actively. Because participation is the beautiful illusion on which elections depend. The more people who show up and perform their civic duty, the easier it is to say, “Look! Democracy is working!” And in return, citizens simply need to believe that their participation matters, a small request, really, after years of political turbulence and confusion.

Then there’s the Election Board, tasked once again with carrying the nation’s expectations on its shoulders. Neutrality, transparency, independence, these are big words that have to fit into a very tight space. But surely, with enough determination, the Board can juggle political pressure, logistical challenges, and public skepticism all at once. Their announcement alone deserves applause. After all, setting a date is arguably half the job.

The broader political environment? Well, yes, there might be lingering tensions, unresolved conflicts, competing narratives, and regions that remain restless. But elections are the perfect time to put all that aside. If only for a day, everyone can pretend that the ballot box is a magical box of national reconciliation.

And the economy, let’s not forget that. With inflation, unemployment, and financial stress weighing on households across the country, what better way to lift the national spirit than a good old-fashioned election? Campaign slogans, promises that stretch beyond imagination, and the occasional flag-waving parade can be quite the distraction.

But perhaps the greatest beauty of the 2026 election lies in its symbolism. It is a reminder that Ethiopia remains committed to the grand performance of democracy. A performance where everyone knows the script, even if the ending never changes.

So, here we are again, preparing for yet another historic moment, another opportunity to believe, if only for a brief, hopeful second, that this time might be different. June 1, 2026 will come and go, with all its speeches, promises, and patriotic fanfare. And when it does, we will all look back and admire once more the consistency of the democratic journey: always ambitious, always dramatic, and always, unmistakably, a work in progress.

But hey, at least we have a date. And isn’t that what really matters?