Tonight’s debate features Ethiopia’s most prominent presidential candidates: Dr. Afework of the Progressive Party, Mrs. Belaynesh of the Conservative Party, and Ms. Yodit of the Dreamer Coalition.
I’m the moderator. Each candidate will discuss their particular platform and their political solutions to everyday problems Ethiopians face. Let’s begin with the Progressive Party. What’s your vision for the country?
“I want to introduce compulsory education through high school and standardized testing for the youth,” Dr. Afework begins. “We can reverse the brain drain by offering world-class university-level courses in the arts and sciences, retaining the brightest minds and providing the best possible opportunities for leadership and teamwork that extend from the classroom to the workplace. I’ll put in place virtual learning until the end of the pandemic. Count on me!”
Thank you for painting us a beautiful picture of the role of academics. Now let’s turn to Mrs. Belaynesh of the Conservative Party. What do you see as the future of the country?
“I see the hope of entrepreneurship and the effort to design successful business incentives as the way forward. Ethiopians should be producers, not just consumers, in economic terms. We should instill competition and increase ingenuity with homegrown brands and labels. We must diversify our markets in every industry and work on improving our GDP and GNP. My motto is everybody works; everybody prays. I mean, everybody pays,” Mrs. Belaynesh concludes. “We must invest in our future.”
Excellent! One more candidate. Ms. Yodit, please take it away.
“I believe in the healing power of the arts and the importance of building community. We must pray together and play together. Our military should train for war no more. Our police should be neighborhood watch volunteers without weapons. The government will train them to report crime, deescalate crises, and eradicate violence. That’s my position,” Ms. Yodit shares her opinions.
Thank you for introducing us to your party platforms. What are your views on taxes?
Mrs. Belaynesh is the first to speak. “The government will collect a flat tax from the Ethiopian people and make the governing officials accountable to the citizens, not foreign investors. We must avoid being indebted to foreign donors and stop taking out massive loans. It’s an intractable situation with us dependent on outside wealth, but with me, that will change.”
My final question is more a realization. I hope you realize you may not win the election, but no matter what, will you commit to free and fair general elections? What will you do if you don’t win or claim presidency?
Dr. Afework says, “I’m committed to the democratic process. I’ll teach political science at Addis Ababa University if I don't win.”
Mrs. Belaynesh remarks, “I’m all for free and fair elections. I’ll enter the restaurant business if I don't become president.”
Ms. Yodit replies, “Every vote counts. If I don’t win, I’ll go into filmmaking.”
Thank you, everyone! Your plans all sound so exciting. I almost hope you don’t win.
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