The Oromoo Gadaa System Why Considered Democratic?

Abstract

Gadaa is an indigenous and democratic system of governance which has been used by the Oromoo people, developed from knowledge gained by community experience over centuries. It regulates political, economic, social and religious activities of the community and serves as a mechanism for enforcing moral conduct, building social cohesion and expressing forms of community culture. Gadaa has been considered as a democratic and just system than other forms of governance in the region. This paper attempts to explain why gadaa is considered a democratic and just system based on review of literature and my own experiences as participant of the system. The democratic elements of the Oromoo gadaa system are clearly reflected in the periodical elections that are held every eight years with a clear term limit; peaceful transfer of political power; equitable distribution of power across generations and down to the community; rule of law and accountability; separation of politics from religion; social integration and peace building roles; a period of testing and the presence of check and balance system.