The right to political participation, as stated under the UDHR and ICCPR, is a basic right of human beings that influence the inter-relation and interaction of human beings. Ethiopia, as signatory of these international human right instruments, the FDRE constitution stipulates the right to political participation right of all Nation, Nationalities and People of the country without any discrimination. However, regional states, like Benishangul-Gumuz, had face serious criticism that ‘non-indigenous’ people are face serious problem in the enjoyment of their right to political participation.
This research has aimed to assess the political participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State in a case study of Bambasi Woreda. It looks and measures the participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people in public decision making and assess the ‘indigenous’ vs. ‘non-indigenous’ composition of institutions of Bambasi Woreda’s administration and normative instruments for the accommodation and consideration of the right to political participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people. In investigating reliable data, the researcher utilizes the qualitative research approaches unstructured in-depth interview, key informant interview and field observation as data collection instruments, in combination with different documents and articles.
As findings of the study reveal, the right to political participation has been shortened by normative and institutional constraints that range from the federal up to the Kebele administration level. Hence, it is highly recommended that there must be a structural change that helps to establish an inclusive normative and administrative institution which ranges from the reconsideration of ‘non-indigenous people up to a constitutional amendment and complete re-institutionalization of the administration.
Table of Contents
Chapter one
Rational of the study
1.1. Background of the study
1.2. Statement of the problem
1.3. Research questions
1.4. Research objectives
1.5. Significance of the study
1.6. Scope of the study
1.7. Research methodology
1.7.1. Source
1.7.2. Data collection techniques and tools
1.7.2.1. Sampling techniques
1.7.2.2. Data collection tools
1.7.3. Document Analysis
1.8. Data analysis method
1.9. Ethical consideration
1.11.Structure of the study
Chapter Two
Review of Related Literature
2. The right to political participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people
2.1. Conceptualizing the right to political participation
2.1.1. The concept of the right to political participation
2.1.1.1. The right to elect and be elected
2.1.1.2. The right to participate in decision making
2.1.1.3. The right to fair representation
2.1.2. Limitation and scope of the right to political participation
2.2. Conceptual framework of ‘indigenous’ and ‘non-indigenous’ people
2.2.1. Who are ‘indigenous’ and ‘non-indigenous’ people?
2.2.1.1. Definition by scholars
2.2.1.2. Definition by inter-governmental organizations
2.2.1.3. Some examples of national definition
2.2.2. ‘Indigenous’ and ‘non-indigenous’ people in Ethiopia
2.2.2.1. Making of ‘indigenous’ and ‘non-indigenous’ people
2.2.2.2. Concept of ‘indigenous’ and ‘non-indigenous’ people
2.2.3. The concept of ‘indigenous’ and ‘non-indigenous’ people in Benishangul-Gumuz regional state
2.3. The right to political participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people: Global overview
2.4. The right to political participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people in Ethiopia
2.4.1. The right to political participation in Ethiopia
2.4.2. The right to elect and be elected
2.4.3. The right to fair representation
2.4.4. The right to participate in public decision making
Chapter Three
Political participation and ethnic accommodation in Benishangul-Gumuz regional state
3.1. Benishangul-Gumuz regional state: an overview
3.1.1. Demography of the region
3.1.2. Administrative structure of the regional state
3.2. Accommodation of ethnic diversities in Benishangul-Gumuz regional state
3.2.1. Constitutional accommodation of ethnic diversities
3.2.2. The institutional accommodation and representation of ethnic diversities in Benishangul-gumuz regional state
3.2.2.1. The regional parliament
3.2.2.2. The regional executive
3.2.2.3. Other institutions
3.3. The paradox of ‘indigenous’ vs. ‘non- indigenous’ people in Benishangul-Gumuz regional state
Chapter Four
Study Area Description
4.1. Geographical location of Bambasi Woreda
4.2. Demography of Bambasi Woreda
4.2.1. Socio-economic activity
4.2.2. Organizational structure of Bambasi Woreda
4.2.2.1. Woreda administration
4.2.2.2. Kebele administration
Chapter Five
Data Analysis and Interpretation
5.1. Introduction
5.2. An assessment of the right to political participation in Bambasi Woreda
5.2.1. The right to elect and be elected
5.2.2. The right to fair representation
5.2.3. The right to take part and influence public decision making
5.3. The right to political participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people in Bambasi Woreda
5.3.1. Participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people in decision making
5.3.1.1. Freedom of movement, expression, association and demonstration for ‘non-indigenous’ people in Bambasi Woreda
5.3.1.2. The right of access to information and opinion
5.3.1.3. The right of access to basic public services and goods
5.3.2. ‘Non-indigenous’ people in election
5.3.2.1. The right to vote
5.3.2.2. The right to be elected
5.3.3. Representational rights of ‘non-indigenous’ people in Bambasi Woreda
5.3.3.1. Representation in kebele and woreda level
5.3.3.2. Representation in zonal and regional administration
5.4. Challenges for political participation of ‘non-indigenous’ people in Bambasi Woreda
5.5. Measures taken to alleviate challenges and problem
Chapter Six
Conclusion and Finding of the Study
6.1. Summary and finding of the study
6.2. Conclusion and recommendation
Bibliography
Appendix
Appendix: Interview guiding questions for data collection
Research Objectives and Themes
The research aims to assess the enforcement and protection of the political participation rights of 'non-indigenous' people in Bambasi Woreda, Ethiopia, focusing on legal, institutional, and normative constraints within the existing federal system.
- Analysis of institutional and legal protections for 'non-indigenous' political participation.
- Evaluation of 'indigenous' versus 'non-indigenous' representation in local and regional administrative bodies.
- Examination of systemic challenges and obstacles affecting the political rights of non-native residents.
- Assessment of current government measures taken to guarantee political inclusion.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Ethiopia has a long history of statehood with the ancient civilizations of the Abyssinian, Axumite Empire and the Zagwe Dynasty. Minding this, Zemelak argued, Ethiopia was one of the most decentralized states from the period of ancient civilization up to the late 1850. However, Edmond Keller argues, though it is not effective and had breakages (like period after the fall of Axumite civilization, and ‘Zemene Mesafint’), the process of centralization were back rooted to the ancient period of Axumite civilization. However, the then centralization process of Axumite civilization were very loose which mostly ended with an ‘imaginary empire’ but not central government.
For example, According to Assefa Fisseha, the process of centralization of state power, which began since the reign of Emperor Tewodros II in the 1850s, marked the beginning of Ethiopia’s nation (empire) building. Alem Habtu argues, the southward expansion of the Ethiopian state was completed at the end of the 19th century under Menelik II which also attributed to the completion of the formation of centralized state. However, Zemelak argues, despite their desire, three monarchal governments (Tewodros II, Yohanes IV and Menilik II) were unable to establish a centralized government because of the technological and economic factors, the impenetrable terrain and an entrenched culture of regional and local consciousness.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter one: Provides the foundational background, problem statement, research questions, and the methodology applied to study the political participation of non-indigenous populations.
Chapter Two: Reviews literature regarding the conceptualization of political rights, the definitions of indigenous versus non-indigenous identities, and global perspectives on minority participation.
Chapter Three: Explains the political and administrative framework of the Benishangul-Gumuz regional state, specifically focusing on how ethnic diversity is accommodated and the structural paradoxes involved.
Chapter Four: Describes the geography, demography, and socio-economic context of the Bambasi Woreda, setting the scene for the case study.
Chapter Five: Presents the analysis and interpretation of the qualitative data collected from interviews and field observations regarding the political status of non-indigenous people in the study area.
Chapter Six: Concludes the study by summarizing key findings and providing recommendations for addressing the identified exclusionary practices in political participation.
Keywords
Indigenous, Non-Indigenous, Political Participation, Right to Political Participation, Ethiopia, Benishangul-Gumuz, Bambasi Woreda, Federalism, Ethnic Federalism, Internal Minorities, Representation, Constitutional Rights, Human Rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this thesis?
The thesis explores the political participation rights of 'non-indigenous' populations living within the Benishangul-Gumuz regional state in Ethiopia, specifically focusing on the Bambasi Woreda.
What are the primary themes discussed in this work?
The key themes include ethnic federalism, the legal and constitutional distinction between 'indigenous' and 'non-indigenous' groups, representation in regional and local councils, and the challenges faced by internal migrants in securing political rights.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to assess the level of enforcement and institutional protection for the political participation of non-indigenous people, examining whether they are fairly represented within local decision-making processes.
Which research methodology was utilized?
The researcher employed a qualitative approach, utilizing in-depth interviews with residents and government officials, key informant interviews, and field observations to gather data.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The body covers conceptual frameworks of political rights, a review of international and national standards, a detailed look at the administrative structure of the Bambasi Woreda, and an analysis of how these structures impact the political rights of non-indigenous residents.
How is the term 'non-indigenous' defined in this context?
The term refers to Ethiopian nationals residing in a region who are not recognized as 'indigenous' or 'native' according to the specific regional constitutional categorization, often impacting their status as political 'outsiders'.
Does the regional constitution in Benishangul-Gumuz provide equal rights?
The research argues that while the national FDRE constitution guarantees broad rights, the regional constitution's emphasis on 'indigenous' ownership creates systemic barriers and exclusion for non-indigenous residents in administrative bodies.
What findings does the author present regarding representation?
The author finds that despite being a large portion of the population, non-indigenous people are underrepresented in key political institutions, such as the regional state council and administrative cabinets, often relegated to civil service roles without significant political influence.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Gizachew Wondie (Autor:in), 2015, ‘Indigenous’ versus ‘Non-indigenous’ People’s Rights in Ethiopia. Political Participation of ‘Non-Indigenous’ People in Bambasi Woreda, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/317682
