People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (PDRE) – (1987–1991)
The presidency was officially created by the 1987 Constitution, which established the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The president was elected to a five-year term by the National Shengo (legislature), with no term limits. The presidency was the chief executive of Ethiopia. The president was also the chairman of the Council of State, which presided as a legislator during the Shengo off session. The president had a chief executive power to rule by decree if necessary and was also the commander-in-chief of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. The only president under the 1987 Constitution was Mengistu Haile-Mariam from 1987 to 1991. Following the flight into exile of Mengistu Haile-Mariam, Tesfaye Gebre Kidan served as the acting president of Ethiopia for only six days.
Transitional Government of Ethiopia (TGE) – (1991–1995)
The end of the Ethiopian Civil War in 28 May 1991 resulted in the end to the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia constitution. A new provisional constitution and the Transitional Government of Ethiopia was formed. The Transitional Government of Ethiopia was a de facto semi-presidential system with the president as head of state and the prime minister as head of government. During the Transitional Government of Ethiopia, the presidency had chief executive powers, including appointing and dismissing the prime minister and the commander-in-chief of the Ethiopian Armed Forces. The only president who served during the Transitional Government of Ethiopia was Meles Zenawi.
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) – (1995–present)
The first president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was Negasso Gidada, who served from 1995 to 2001. The current president is Sahle-Work Zewde, who is also the first female president of Ethiopia, serving since 2018.
Nominations and appointment of the president
The Federal Parliamentary Assembly nominate the candidate for president.[2] Presidential tenure is not keyed to that of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly to assure continuity in government and the nonpartisan character of the office.
The term of office of the president is six years. As of 2021, there are no term limits for the president in the Constitution of Ethiopia.[3] Upon election in accordance with the constitution, the president, before commencing his or her responsibility as president, presents himself or herself before the Federal Parliamentary Assembly and makes a declaration of loyalty to the Constitution and the people of Ethiopia in the following words:
"I......., when on this date commence my responsibility as President of the Federal Democratic Republic, of Ethiopia, pledge to carry out faithfully the high responsibility entrusted to me."[2]
Powers and duties
The 1995 Ethiopian Constitution lays out the duties and powers of the president of the republic to include the following:[2]
The president opens the joint session of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly at the commencement of their annual sessions.
The president proclaims in the Negarit Gazeta laws and international agreements approved by the House of Peoples' Representatives in accordance with the Constitution.
The president, upon recommendation by the prime minister, appoints ambassadors and other envoys to represent the country abroad.
The president receives the credentials of foreign ambassadors and special envoys.
The president awards medals, prizes and gifts in accordance with conditions and procedures established by law.
The president is the ceremonial supreme commander-in-chief of the Ethiopian Armed Forces and, upon recommendation by the prime minister (de jure commander-in-chief), grants high military titles and awards.
The president, in accordance with conditions and procedures established by law, grants pardon.
The president's powers and duties need not be countersigned by the prime minister to be valid. All the listed roles are autonomous powers of the president. The president represents the country in various delegations, meetings, and international platforms that may require the attendance of the head of state.
Succession
If the president is unable to preside and exercise his or her duties because of illness, death, resignation, conviction or impeachment, the two chambers of the Federal Parliamentary Assembly will immediately designate an acting president. With no longer than a week time the Federal Parliamentary Assembly will convene by an extraordinary session to elect the successor and declare the new president.[4]
Security
The president of Ethiopia is protected by the Republican Guard, which is a special armed unit of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. The Republican Guard's Counter Military Unit is responsible for protecting the presidential palace commonly known as Jubilee Palace. The Counter Military Unit carries heavy assault rifles such as Israel-made Tavor-21 and American M-4's and long rang snipers that can penetrate bullet proof glass. The Republican Guard also uses helicopters as well as armored vehicles.
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