Message from the Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

   Hon. Speaker Mr. Tagesse  Chaffo

Parliamentary democracy helps for the growth of democratic culture in the society. In democratic societies, parliament provides a platform for citizens’ democratic engagements. Opportunities to take part in democratic process are provided by the parliament. Hence,   parliament is a requisite to ensure Rule of Law, Social Justice and that the government shall be transparent and accountable to its undertakings. 

It has been three decades since parliamentary democracy system commenced in our country.  Now, we are in the 6th House, 4th Year Tenure, after five parliamentary terms passed.

The House of Peoples’ Representatives is the highest authority of the federal government. Members of the House of peoples’ Representatives shall be elected from candidates in each electoral district by a plurality of the votes cast by the people for a term of five years on the basis of universal suffrage and by direct, free and fair election held by secret ballot. Members of the House are responsible to the people of Ethiopia and they are governed by the Constitution, the People and their Conscience.

It is clear that the role of the Parliament is indispensable to ensure the Peace for the people and bring multifaceted Prosperity. Above all, any decisions passed by the House in legislative, oversight and representation duties shall either directly or indirectly impact the live of each individual citizen whether with positive or negative consequences.

Henceforth, the House has passed enormous decisions that are deemed to be important for national peace, development and multifaceted prosperity of the society. The House has undertaken strong oversight to ensure that national plans, programs, policies and projects are implemented as per of their time lines and public and government the resources and properties of are used for the intended purposes to improve the lives of the society at large.

There is also a growing development by government institutions to answer development and good governance questions raised from the public sides.

Parliamentary diplomacy has been increasingly strengthened through bilateral and multi-relations platforms and promising results have been exhibited in promoting the culture and true image of our country. The House has been supporting the state foreign policy priorities-economic diplomacy (Trade & Investments). In the succeeding periods, as one of foreign policy instrument, the House will pay a heed to boost up parliamentary diplomacy engagement in both bilateral and multilateral relations.

Above all, the House will work with utmost effort to improve the living standards of citizens, for the expansion of investment, improve the performance of delayed projects, creation of job opportunities, reduction of poverty, fostering rule of law and good governance.

 A National Dialogue Commission has been established by the House to settle our political differences through dialogue and deliberations, and it is yet in the agenda gathering phase in various parts of the country. Therefore, I call on all Ethiopians and Ethiopians in diaspora should be toiling with a sense of loving the mother land to contribute our parts for the success of the Commission.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is a symbol of our unity and solidarity, is in the process of being completed and many large national projects are being carried out to accelerate the social economic development of the citizens.

Hence, Pleased be, as I use this opportunity to convey my heartfelt message to all Ethiopians and Ethiopians in diaspora to stand together shoulder to shoulder for Peace, Solidarity and National Consensus in order to realize the underway  multifaceted prosperity endeavours of the state that would ensure Ethiopia will be a suitable place for the living of its citizens.

 I wish, the Ethiopian New Year (2017), may bring us many blessings & joy, Peace, ever greater solidarity, consensus and development.

                                                                                                                            Thank you!