Constitutional Amendment in Ethiopia: An Examination on the Rationalities and Challenges of Amending the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution

Abstract

Constitutional amendment is a modification on the exiting constitution in light of new demands. The aim of this study was to explore the necessity of constitutional amendment in Ethiopia and to identify the factors that obstruct constitutional amendment. The study also aimed at analysing the implications of un-amendable FDRE constitution on the stability and political development of the state. The study has employed qualitative research method. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used. The data were collected through interview and the analysis of literatures. The participants for the interview were chosen through purposive sampling method. The socio-political and economic dynamics, the need to address citizens' rights and to adapt emerging issues necessitate the amendment of the FDRE constitution. Stringent amendment rules, the authoritarian nature of the government and the disagreements among the political elites are factors that deter the constitutional amendment in Ethiopia. The continuity of the constitution without amendment resulted in conflict and instability, dwindled constitutional legitimacy and undermined the required political reforms. Therefore, all political players must show integrity to amend the constitution.