Of late, the Revolutionary Democrats are in a new swing of mood. No longer are they seen summarly dismissing others with different views from the Ethiopian political space. It seems days have long gone for them to compartmentalize almost everyone who thinks differently as "anti" of all kinds they could imagine.

The new lyric, as performed by the man in charge of the state's Roman Curia, is one that uncharacteristically preaching inclusiveness and togetherness on key national agendas. Brehane Haile, the low profile minister of Information, claimed the forefront last week in publicly advocating what his party has been digesting almost for two years now. People do not have to be of similar ideological persuasions in order to work with the government.

For many, and provided that the Revolutionary Democrats walk their talk, this is a most welcome approach. If it will indeed go beyond rhetoric, the Revolutionary Democrats could even pass in flying colour for their resurgence in learning a hard lesson from their humiliating defeat in the hands of their archrivals, at least in Addis Abeba.

Whether or not the Revolutionary Democrats realize it, the country they lead is joining the tide of the rapidly changing world in more ways than one, especially of late. With the rushing current propelling nations into a global village, political, economic and cultural systems are adapting to new conditions for better or worse.

Understandably, and like the economy, the process of political transition in one of the poorest nations in the world with a history of relatively less influence from the Western world that seems to be guiding the globalising influences, takes a little longer than other places. Nonetheless, it seems it is happening. Developing a vibrant democracy from the fledgling system currently existing is quite a task for the new millennium and across partisan interests.

Mindful of recent uproars by opposition politicians active in the Oromia Regional States about an alleged massive arrests conducted by the government, the general political atmosphere seems to be gradually shifting in some promising ways into a climate that more closely resembles idealised paper depictions of democracy. The cornerstones of a responsible government - accountability and transparency - to lead a free people seem to be showing signs of budding.

The latest developments in Ethiopian political landscape may be classified as a broadening of the political space as well as the addition of a degree of clarity to platforms. Judging the Revolutionary Democrats by the statements of their government's Information Minister, they have a clear idea on which issues they would like to work with others and where exactly they want to take this country to in two decades. Sharing their vision is, however, a different sort.

Their pronouncement to enlarge the arena of participation should be a welcome and necessary step in the progress of the country that has been characterised by political apathy and non-engagement particularly, but not exceptionally, since the fateful post May 2005 electoral violence. The ruling party has made some positive motions to encourage voicing views, but by no means is the situation ideal.

Distancing itself from the 'our way or the highway' attitude is both politically savvy at this pivotal moment in the country's history and conducive to overall development. Gladly, the government seems to be coming around to the idea that there is much to be gained by eliciting the contributions of others from all sides in its endeavours to move the country forward. There is nothing bad about this.

While underlying opinions and views may differ, there are common interests and goals that Ethiopians of all walks of life share. Seeing beyond partisan interests is a sign of maturity that evades even the most advanced societies as can be seen in some of the recent failings affecting the United States.

The pressing question in this advancement is how far the spirit of inclusion will be carried, how serious the Revolutionary Democrats are in their rhetoric and how bold and clever their political opponents would be in taking advantage of this swing in mood.

Nevertheless, the vague and arbitrary mutterings of a supposed 'red line' that may not be crossed is a demarcation that will be contested in the coming months as well as the development of an impartial 'referee' that will supervise the interests. These are institutions that are pillars for an open society to function properly and go beyond the life time of any politician of today.

Coherently outlining the agenda to lead Ethiopia is an agreeable move by the ruling party; the specifics of its desires are commendable, for the most part. A four-pronged outline of fighting poverty, building peace, creating good governance and establishing a national vision is difficult to dispute as a model. Nonetheless, other interest groups may and should have a different vision that they adhere to.

Perhaps, they can pick up an issue that is denied a prominent place in the list of agenda the Revolutionary Democrats would like to see a national consensus is built up on. While there could be an argument that the establishment of the rule of law is embedded in the other agendas, the importance of the rule of law should be given the prominence it deserves to be explicitly included in the national priorities. The country's transition from a society governed by informal relationships and social systems to one organised in a rational manner may not proceed without a structure to ensure fairness and adherence to a code of conduct.

The task goes beyond creating documents and preaching the existence of justice through glorified rhetoric. It is rather more consuming as the mindset of society must be altered to truly believe that rights are protected and agreements are enforced in an unbiased manner. It is only when this climate is established that individuals from all sides will feel confident to move forward.

The most demoralising sentiment that may hinder progress is the feeling that opportunities do not exist and that hard work goes unrewarded, while incompetents are favoured for their loyalty. Without proper incentive to advance self, talent is wasted and mediocrity persists.

Entrepreneurship may only thrive when property rights  is secured and contracts are enforced such that parties may enter into them with a clear sight of the mutual benefits and understanding of the rules. The business climate is dictated by how safe investments are and where they may reach their market potentials.

It would have been great to see the ruling party being fervent in creating a rule based society as it sounds it is in fighting poverty. It is such countries that respect individual rights and judicial institutions that have managed to build prosperous societies. In the words of Kasper Wolfgang, professor of Economics at the University of South Wales, without respect to property and economic freedoms, there is no hope for freedom over all.

"Freedom is special, because it brings the best in us," he recently wrote in the African Executive magazine.

It is a strong court system composed of capable individuals whose behaviour is guided by self esteem and integrity that help individuals from each other and the state. The inefficient legal system that lets many case fall through the cracks is a far cry from this ideal. Rights must be guaranteed instead of left up in the air causing qualified people to flee the country in hopes of a better scenario.

Take for instance the story of Zegeye Negede, a returnee from Canada. He told the ministers that met the Diaspora last Thursday that a residence that was reinstated by a court has been breached by district and kebele administrations. Zegeye's story is hardly isolated to him.

The brain drain hitting Ethiopia so adversely may in part be explained by the feeling that even the courts do lack the muscle to enforce their rulings.

Indeed, it is the executive branch that has a role to play in enforcing the laws of the legislation interpreted by the judiciary. The executive branch itself must be accountable to the same rules that it claims others should uphold should it want the system to be credible.

But rule of law is not all about what the state does or does not do. Society itself has great part in creating a mindset and a culture Prime Minister Meles said is a prerequisite to build a rule based society. Stationing massive volumes of police forces on the streets to enforce traffic laws is a temporary solution to the horrendous driving habits found on the metropolis' streets; but creating an awareness of the connection between responsible driving and the benefits of lower accident rates and more orderly traffic is a lasting fix.

Laws may only be followed when it is accepted as a beneficial and coherent system that advances society. For the government to enforce legislation, it is immeasurably more feasible if the populace accepts the efficacy of the rules governing it.

Examples of unequal application of the law are not missing from the minds of many in Ethiopia and may contribute to a feeling of helplessness in the face of adversity. Opportunities for advancement and wealth creation are to be found in a well organised society that honours the contracts for what they are: mechanisms to bring mutually benefiting parties together.

The government has its work cut out for it in its efforts to portray a positive image of a country brutalised by international media painting Ethiopia as a country of famine unfavourable for business. The economic growth of late will help change this, but the key lies in building the rule of law as an antecedent for business to be conducted and potentials to be realised.