Prosperity Party Proposes Two-Term Limit for Incumbent Governments to Strengthen Democratic Transition – PM

Addis Ababa, July 8, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said the ruling Prosperity Party has proposed limiting the tenure of an incumbent government to a maximum of two terms as one of its agendas for the upcoming National Dialogue Conference.

The Prime Minister made the remark yesterday while responding to questions from members of the House of Peoples’ Representatives during its 30th regular session of the fifth year of its term, where he presented the government’s performance report for the 2025/26 Ethiopian fiscal year.

On the occasion, PM Abiy said the proposal is aimed at strengthening Ethiopia’s democratic system by promoting a culture of peaceful and lawful transfer of power and addressing political challenges associated with prolonged stays in office.

He explained that the agenda represents a foundation for Ethiopia’s future political stability, enabling future generations to build a country guided by democratic principles and the rule of law.

The Prime Minister said the Prosperity Party will present the proposal during the upcoming National Dialogue Conference, which is scheduled to commence on July 15, 2026.

He noted that limiting the tenure of incumbent governments would encourage political transitions based on established democratic practices rather than attempts to extend periods in power through constitutional or legal changes.

PM Abiy said such a practice would represent a significant step in Ethiopia’s political development, creating an environment where peaceful transfer of power becomes an accepted democratic culture.

Prime Minister Abiy also said the proposal would represent a rare step in African politics, where incumbent governments commit to a defined limit on their tenure rather than pursuing constitutional or legal changes aimed at extending their stay in power.

He further highlighted the ruling party’s decision during the recent 7th general election to leave 15 percent of constituencies open for competing political parties and independent candidates, saying the move was intended to expand political participation and ensure diverse voices are represented.

The Prime Minister said the decision demonstrates the Prosperity Party’s commitment to strengthening a multi-party political system and enhancing the capacity of different political actors to participate in Ethiopia’s democratic process.