tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13194672.post7104422813817536234..comments2010-02-04T09:03:33.049-05:00ensethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554600864768446394noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13194672.post-26426595431400089032010-02-04T09:03:33.049-05:002010-02-04T09:03:33.049-05:00Desalegn,<br /><br />There is also very little chance for the opposition to be united either. In the article I quoted, Maimire also pinned his hope for the election being used as a tool to de-legitimize the Woyane on this idea. I just think this is a wishful thinking in the post Meles-$hawel hand shake deal. I am of the opinion that the Rubicorn was crossed at that moment. <br /><br />Anything else that the other opposition groups will do to participate in the election from that point on will only help to legitimize the Woyane regime by the electorate rather than to de-legitimize it further. Even Siye Abraha&#39;s announcement of his candidacy will not change this fact.<br /><br />I agree that for a boycott to be effective it, too, needs a united opposition. But my argument was really not about an effective boycott but rather about saving resources and lives to live to fight at more opportune moment than the upcoming election. As I said earlier, a point of no return was reached with the Meles-$hawel deal.<br /><br />Fikruensethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03554600864768446394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13194672.post-87534785469933822852010-02-03T10:45:40.943-05:002010-02-03T10:45:40.943-05:00The problem with a boycott is that it only works when it is widespread and coordinated. A widespread and coordinated effort requires a united (coherent at least) and organized opposition. A united and organized opposition does not exist. That is why there can&#39;t be a boycott. <br /><br />A boycott may be a good idea in the abstract, but the reality is that today it cannot be done. Democracy groups such as Medrek consider must take into consideration current political realities as they choose their strategy and tactics.<br /><br />Given the current opposition fragmentation and public cynicism, and given that this is the biggest impediment to democracy and opposition success, I would say that the focus of opposition groups should be to work towards unity, repairing public perceptions, and strengthening grassroots connections. Their strategy and tactics must be focused towards this goal. It&#39;s a long term project, but there&#39;s no choice.dessalegn_asfawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13651089126321669932noreply@blogger.com