Federal Government

In 1994, a new constitution was written, setting up a bicameral legislative branch and a judicial system, and guaranteeing equal right and freedom of expression to all citizens of Ethiopia. In May 1995 People’s Representatives to the Parliament were elected. Dr. Negasso Gidada was elected as the first President (Head of State) and the winning party – the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) – designated Mr. Meles Zenawi as Prime Minister (Head of Government). In May 2000, a second multi-party election was held and the EPRDF, which won the majority of votes, nominated Mr. Meles Zenawi as Head of Government. In 2001, Mr. Girma Wolde-Giorgis was elected as the second President of the country