The Historical Journey and Evolution of Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives

The House of Peoples' Representatives building located in 4 Kilo, Addis Ababa, has hosted pivotal events in Ethiopian political history. The venue has seen the passage of major declarations, state of emergency decrees, designations and removals of political groups from terrorism lists, and the historic peaceful transfer of power from former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Historically, Ethiopia's parliamentary tradition traces back to the first constitution promulgated in 1923 E.C., with the first parliament taking an oath in October 1924 E.C. Under Emperor Haile Selassie, final decision-making power rested with the monarch, limiting the parliament to an advisory role until the revised 1948 E.C. constitution introduced parliamentary immunity, salaries, and partial voting. Following the Derg regime's National Shengo era and a four-year transitional council, the 1987 E.C. constitution established a parliamentary system designating the House of Peoples' Representatives as the highest authority of the state. Today, members serve five-year terms elected by the public, operating under established procedural rules led by the Speaker of the House.