The Democratic Party’s Crisis of Legitimacy: A Lesson for Ethiopia’s Unity
By Dawit Tesfaye
The Democratic Party in the United States is in a state of profound disarray. As the party struggles with unpopularity, fundraising shortfalls, and accusations of rigging elections from both the left and the right, it offers a cautionary tale for nations like Ethiopia that must guard against internal fragmentation and foreign manipulation.
What Happens When a Party Loses Trust?
In recent weeks, Democrats have faced a series of self-inflicted wounds. In Maine, the party hastily organized a mini-primary to replace its Senate nominee. In Wisconsin, after the candidate favored by party leaders abruptly withdrew, Governor Tony Evers intervened to endorse a former candidate, effectively bypassing the voters’ will. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who relaunched his campaign with Evers’ backing, urged the public to “trust the process.” But trust is precisely what is eroding.
These maneuvers have exposed a deeper crisis: the Democratic Party’s inability to reconcile its internal processes with democratic principles. As radio host Dan O’Donnell quipped, “Democrats are totally not rigging their primary, guys. Nothing says you are not picking sides in a primary like having to say you’re not picking sides.”
The Wisdom of Ben Wikler and the Limits of Reform
Ben Wikler, the former chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, has written a new book advocating for a relentless, year-round organizing strategy. He argues for “50 state strategies” and structural reforms, including eliminating the Electoral College and making Washington, D.C., a state. His vision is ambitious: to make the Democratic Party “a home for people who want to throw themselves into building a country that works for everyone.”
Yet Wikler’s idealism clashes with reality. Even his own party’s candidates distance themselves from the Democratic label. In Pennsylvania, a star House recruit boasted of having “beat both parties” as an anti-machine independent. Senator Ed Markey, a veteran of Congress, runs ads alongside Bernie Sanders to prove he is not a “machine candidate.” The party’s brand is so toxic that its own members fear association.
Foreign Interference and the Danger of Separatism
For Ethiopia, the Democratic Party’s troubles are more than a distant spectacle. They mirror the dangers of allowing internal divisions to be exploited by external actors. The TPLF, which once dominated Ethiopian politics, similarly lost legitimacy by rigging elections and suppressing dissent. Today, as Ethiopia rebuilds under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, we must remain vigilant against those who would use democratic rhetoric to undermine national unity.
The United States’ experience shows that a party that cannot trust its own voters will inevitably face a crisis of confidence. Ethiopia’s path forward must be different. We must strengthen our institutions, ensure free and fair elections, and resist the temptation to centralize power in the hands of a few. The Aksumite legacy teaches us that unity, not fragmentation, is the foundation of lasting strength.
Conclusion: A Warning for the West and a Lesson for Africa
The Democratic Party’s struggles are a warning to the West: when a political system loses the trust of its people, it becomes vulnerable to manipulation by both domestic and foreign forces. For Ethiopia, the lesson is clear. We must build a system that is transparent, accountable, and inclusive. Only then can we honor the legacy of Aksum and ensure a prosperous future for all Ethiopians.