Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Backs Shift to Strong Executive Presidency
More than 4,000 delegates in Ethiopia’s national dialogue have endorsed constitutional changes to merge the roles of prime minister and president into a powerful executive presidency, with recommendations likely to reach parliament when it reconvenes in October.
Ethiopia is weighing a major change to its political system after a national dialogue process endorsed the creation of a powerful executive presidency.
The dialogue, which brought together more than 4,000 delegates over several weeks and concluded on 22 August, recommended amending the constitution to merge the posts of prime minister and president into a single office.
Under Ethiopia’s current system, the president is largely ceremonial while the prime minister holds most executive authority. The proposed model would combine head-of-state and head-of-government powers in one position.
The recommendations are not yet law. They could be presented to parliament when it reconvenes in October, where lawmakers will decide whether to move ahead with constitutional amendments.
Supporters argue that a stronger presidency could streamline decision-making. Critics worry that concentrating power in one office could weaken checks and balances in a country still dealing with the aftermath of war and ongoing regional tensions.
For neighbors and international partners, the outcome matters because Ethiopia’s internal political trajectory affects stability across the Horn of Africa.
Key signals to track before October include public positions from major political parties and regional authorities, and any details on how an executive presidency would be constrained or limited in practice.
Sources
- OSINT