Birtukan Mideksa has been sworn in as head of Ethiopia’s electoral board, giving a former judge and opposition leader one of the country’s most sensitive public roles.
Her appointment is being seen as part of a wider political reset under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has moved to open up the system since taking office in April. His government has made peace with Eritrea after two decades of conflict, released political prisoners and allowed armed opposition groups to return from exile.
The board she now leads has long faced accusations that it was influenced by the state, and Mideksa will be responsible for overseeing elections in May 2020.
Her return to Ethiopia earlier this month followed seven years in exile in the United States. She was among dozens of opposition figures jailed after the disputed 2005 elections, unrest that left hundreds of people dead.
Abiy has also expanded women’s representation in government, giving half of the cabinet’s 20 ministerial posts to women. Last month, parliament chose Sahle-Work Zewde as Ethiopia’s first female president, a largely ceremonial office.
After her appointment, Mideksa said her background as a judge would help her handle disputes and tensions in the new job. She also said Ethiopians were ready for change.
“The Ethiopian people are ready to build the democratic system they want and to hold the government accountable - and they have showed us that by paying the sacrifice needed,” Birtukan told journalists.
“So, I believe that that public readiness is one good opportunity. “Even though there's still a lot to be done, we are seeing many institutional reforms in many directions. These are good opportunities. “And I believe that fact that this government has proved its commitment for a genuine and true democracy is another good opportunity.”
