Analysis of the Gadaa System in Comparison to Western Democracy

Abstract

All the nations of the world have their own unique indigenous knowledge (system) governing all their social, political, and economical spheres. The nature of the system may vary in which some systems are well structured, while, others not; some have prolific values while others have detrimental values. Regardless of their limitations, indigenous knowledge and cultures have been the driving factors and the concrete elements for the present modernization, and the sources and inputs for the existing progresses and developments. Nonetheless, different materials present various critics against the system (indigenous knowledge) considering as if it contributes nothing to the modern setup. Based on this diverging ideas, this paper assessed the nature, structure, and values of Gadaa System (Oromos’ indigenous governance system), and compared it with the western model of democracy. It has been found that, apart from western model of democracy, there are other indigenous models of democracy in different communities with their own unique qualities and achievements. Accordingly, comparing Gadaa System with the western model of democracy; the study naked that, Gadaa System is more egalitarian than the western model of democracy in terms of the quality of decision making, accountability, inclusiveness, participation, political game and leadership development. Finally, the paper recommends that the government should support the development of indigenous knowledge particularly indigenous system of governance through the provision of policy and other structural adjustments.