Ethiopia plans constitutional reform to expand prime minister's powers

Addis Ababa – Ethiopia’s ruling coalition has announced a draft constitutional amendment that would replace the current parliamentary system with a presidential model, a change that would centralise executive authority in the office of the prime minister. The proposal, presented to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for debate, outlines a shift to a single‑person head of state who would also serve as head of government, consolidating legislative, executive and, to a limited extent, judicial powers under one office. The draft cites the need for “greater political stability and more efficient decision‑making” as justification for the reform, and it calls for a national referendum to approve the new structure within the next twelve months.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has led the country since 2018 and spearheaded a series of political and economic reforms, would be the incumbent most directly affected by the transition. Under the proposed system, the role currently occupied by the prime minister would be merged with that of the president, potentially extending Abiy’s tenure and expanding his formal powers beyond the parliamentary majority he currently relies on. Critics from opposition parties and civil‑society groups have warned that the amendment could undermine checks and balances, while supporters argue it could streamline governance amid ongoing security challenges. The parliament is expected to vote on the amendment in the coming weeks, after which the referendum will determine whether Ethiopia moves to a presidential system.