Ethiopia’s national dialogue has endorsed constitutional changes that would merge the roles of prime minister and president into a powerful executive presidency, a move critics warn could allow Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to further consolidate his control after his party’s landslide election victory.
More than 4,000 delegates took part in the weeks-long national dialogue, which ended on August 22 after discussions on Ethiopia’s political tensions, ethnic divisions and persistent armed conflicts.
Delegates overwhelmingly backed a proposal to replace the current system with an executive presidency combining the powers of the prime minister and the largely ceremonial president.
The recommendations could be presented to parliament when it reconvenes in October.
Although Abiy was absent from the dialogue, many observers expect him to be the leading candidate for the new position if the changes are adopted. The president would be chosen by a parliament dominated by members of his ruling party.
