The awkward uncertainty inflamed by the chief priest of the Revolutionary Democrats has been seeping, alarming as it was, among their rank and file. As much as the many enthusiasts would like to march into the forthcoming national election in unison, whether or not their chief priest will continue to remain chairman or his departure would become inevitably close has been rocking their camp.

Ironically, their chairman has been giving conflicting signals, depending on the media he was addressing. Before he got exhausted of questions from foreign and local media, he was making public statements that could go either way. Determined to step down after leading the party in its thick and thin period of over two decades he reiterates that it is for the party to decide on his fate. Over time, even those staunchly against his departure have appeared to change their mind that it is indeed time for a change of leadership from the top.
 

This thorny issue was in fact one of the few things, hotly debated a few weeks back among the 36 executive committee members of the EPRDF. It is the most powerful body of the ruling party in charge of the party's day-to-day affairs. 
 

Gossip disclosed that it was one of those rare moments in the history of the organization where its leaders were deeply divided. There were as many members who were in favour of his leaving office as those who stood their ground in persisting that it was too early to take such a risk, claims gossip.
 

At the end, they had to vote. Unexpectedly, the voting was a close call, although the executive committee has decided with a majority vote that Meles Zenawi is to remain chairman of the party for at least one more term, revealed gossip.

Gossip claims that the majority of those who voted for him to step down came from his own party, TPLF, and the ruling coalition's senior partner, ANDM. But the latter had two of its prominent leaders divided over the issue, gossip claims. Its chairman, Addisu Legesse, was allegedly in favour of Meles staying, while Tefera Walwa led the camp that supported not only Meles's desire to leave but also wanted the emergence of new blood for the leadership, gossip said. Majority of the leaders from the OPDO and SEPDF have reportedly voted in favour of the chairman to remain where he is, according to gossip. 

Keen observers of the Revolutionary Democrats believe that this will give Meles an unprecedented degree of leverage over the party. The decision, which some consider as a vote of confidence for their leader, would let him push forward some of his policies more boldly that he ever has.

Is Meles pleased with the decision of the executive committee, wonder gossips from the corridors?

He is probably not, for he is very enthusiastic to leave, according to gossip. That could explain why he allegedly told members of the executive committee that he would let them know his decision after mulling over it, claims gossip.

The gossip corridor sees that this would not be the end of the story. The Front's council, comprising of 180 members, including all central committee members of the parties in the coalition, begins its meeting this weekend. Members of the council are thus expected to debate on the decision of the Front's Executive Committee as one item to be tabled, perhaps even alongside their draft election strategy.