By Kjetil, Tronvoll, Journal of Modern African Studies, 2009.
The political trajectory in Ethiopia has undertaken a markedly negative political trajectory in recent years. This is evidenced by a pattern of non-electoral events such as political intimidation, recognition of illegitimate results, and limitations on political participation. The use of voter-registration as the basis for land distribution further exacerbates this disenfranchisement. The author argues that these measures and not just the frequency of elections should be the barometer for electoral maturity. The elections in 2005, for example, have been followed by increased political arrests, human rights abuses, and nepotism. In addition to undermining Ethiopia’s process of democratization, these actions create potent sources of instability in the country.
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