Page "Politics of Ethiopia" Paragraph 5

The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was installed in August 1995.

The first President was Negasso Gidada.

The EPRDF-led government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has promoted a policy of ethnic federalism, seemingly devolving significant powers to regional, ethnically-based authorities but centrally controlled by TPLF cadres.

Ethiopia today has nine semi-autonomous administrative regions that have the power to raise and spend their own revenues.

Under the present government, Ethiopians have little political participation.

According to the US Department of State 2009 human rights report there are hundreds of political prisoners in Ethiopia.

Among them is the leader of the largest opposition party Birtukan Midekssa.

Fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the press, are, in practice,