Arrest of Boro Democratic Party Executive Member Raises Political Tensions

Yohannes Tessema, an executive member of the Boro Democratic Party, has been arrested amid controversy over recent legislative changes that expanded the regional council’s seats. The BDP claims these changes violate the Ethiopian Constitution. Yohannes’ arrest relates to his planned legal challenges against these amendments, which have raised significant opposition within the party and the public.

Yohannes Tessema, an executive member of the Boro Democratic Party (BDP) from the Benishangul Gumuz region, has reportedly been apprehended by regional security forces. This arrest occurs amidst ongoing dissent regarding controversial legislative amendments in the region. His arrest is said to have taken place on March 9, shortly before his intended trip to Addis Ababa to file complaints about these legislative modifications.

According to Mr. Haile Embiyale, a central committee member of BDP, Yohannes was apprehended while preparing to depart for Addis Ababa. He aimed to challenge the recent legislative changes that expanded the regional council’s seats from 99 to 165. Local sources confirm that Yohannes is currently detained at the district two police station in Assosa town, and he has yet to be presented in court.

The Boro Democratic Party believes that the arrest is intertwined with Yohannes’ opposition to a motion within the regional parliament. He planned to contest the legislative changes via the constitutional interpretation court and the House of Federation. These changes have raised serious concerns for the party, as they argue that the amendment is unconstitutional due to the procedural approach of the ruling powers.

The contentious legislative changes, identified as legislation (202/2017), were enacted by majority vote, which the BDP argues violates constitutional requirements. The party contends this adjustment in council seats not only alters representation but also influences electoral districts without accounting for population distribution, violating Article 54 (3) of the Ethiopian Constitution.

Furthermore, the Boro Democratic Party asserts that the authority to alter regional election regulations lies beyond the regional council’s jurisdictions, specifically stating such amendments fall under the purview of the National Dialogue Commission. The prevailing Prosperity Party, which boasts a membership of over 15 million, has not commented on Yohannes’ arrest or the related allegations from the opposition party.

In the political landscape of the Benishangul Gumuz region, accusations have emerged from the regional government, characterizing the BDP as attempting to disrupt stability in an area that has already suffered from significant violence, primarily involving the massacre of numerous ethnic Amharas.

In summary, the arrest of Yohannes Tessema highlights escalating tensions between the Boro Democratic Party and the ruling Prosperity Party regarding controversial legislative changes affecting the regional council. The BDP’s assertions underline the constitutionality of these modifications and their implications for representation. With ongoing security issues in the region, the political situation remains fraught with challenges and potential unrest.

Original Source: borkena.com