The release of opposition leaders, opposition parties’ newfound freedom of operation, and Abiy’s efforts to hold constructive dialogues with opposition parties are all significant changes, representing concrete steps toward opening political space and creating plurality. Institutions including the Human Rights Commission, National Electoral Board of Ethiopia, and the judiciary have exhibited little independence from the ruling party. Human Rights Commission investigations have lacked basic elements of impartiality, and few results have been made public. There were no evident changes to the Human Rights Commission in Abiy’s first year and Human Rights Watch does not know whether it undertook any investigations during the year. Political parties should be able to hold rallies without obstruction or threat of violence.

Source: Ethiopian News April 07, 2019 03:56 UTC