The Historical Origins and Evolution of the Ethiopian Parliament

The Ethiopian House of Peoples' Representatives building in Arat Kilo has hosted numerous pivotal historical events in the country's political history. Ethiopia's parliamentary system traces its origins to the first 1931 (1923 E.C.) constitution, with the first parliament taking its oath on November 3, 1931 (Tekemt 24, 1924 E.C.). Initially, it consisted of a Chamber of Deputies with 30 members and a Senate with 60 members, both heavily restricted by the Emperor's supreme authority. Over the decades, the system underwent major transformations, including constitutional revisions in 1955 that introduced parliamentary immunity and partial direct elections. Following the overthrow of the Imperial regime, parliament was replaced by the Derg's National Shengo, and later restructured under the 1995 (1987 E.C.) constitution into a parliamentary democracy. Today, the House of Peoples' Representatives serves as the highest authority of the federal government, with members elected every five years for up to 550 seats, including at least 20 seats reserved for minority nationalities.