Ethiopia’s national dialogue weighs presidential and dual-executive systems

Participants in Ethiopia’s national dialogue have begun weighing possible changes to the country’s system of government, including presidential and semi-presidential models, during the forum’s first week in Addis Ababa.

The National Dialogue Commission convened about 4,000 participants at the Addis International Convention Center and divided them into eight groups to refine agendas gathered through four years of consultations. The Reporter Ethiopia said proposals receiving more than 75 percent support are expected to be adopted by the forum, though any constitutional change would require subsequent legal and political processes.

Under one option presented to participants, a president would serve as both head of state and chief executive, with powers distinct from the legislature. A semi-presidential model would divide executive authority between a president and prime minister, with the cabinet accountable to the president and parliament. These remain proposals under discussion, not agreed reforms.

Participants also considered alternative arrangements for Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. Options presented for the capital included federal administration, regional-state status, a city-state model or administration by Oromia Region. National Dialogue Commission chief Mesfin Araya said participants should discuss the proposals freely and that the commission would support those facing repercussions for views expressed at the forum.