The Gadaa system.
The Gadaa system has served as the basis of democratic and egalitarian political system.under it the power to administer, the affairs of the nation, and the power to make laws belong to the people.Every male member of the society who is of age and of Gadaa grade has full rights to elect and to be elected.All the people have the right to air their views in any public gatherings with out fear.
Gadaa grades and their duties.
There are two well defined ways of classifying male members of the society, that's "Hirriyya"in afan oromo which means members of an age-set ,all born within the period of one Gadaa rule of eight years and Gadaa grade.
The Gadaa grades (stages of development through which a Gadaa class passes) differ in number (7-11) and name in different part of oromia although their functions are the same.
Gadaa grades and their duties.
1-Debelle (0-8 years of age).
The debelle are sons of the Gadaa class who are in power, the Luba.They are boys up to 8 years of age.Thus, this is a stage of childhood.
2-Folle or gamme titika (8-16 years of age) up on reaching their eight year,they enter folle grade.At this age, they're allowed to go further away from their villages and to perform light work.
3-Kondala or gamme gurguda (16-24 years of age).
At 16 years old,they enter the kondala.They may now go long distances to hunt and perform heavy work.Three years before the kondala ends, those of the Gadaa class come together and nominate the future group leaders (Hayu council) who eventually will constitute its presidium and there by the executive, judicial and ritual authorities.The final election is proceeded by an often lengthy campaign of negotiation after nomination, the candidates tour the region accompanied by their supporters to win the backing of the people before election.The individuals will be elected on the basis of wisdom, bravery, health and physical fitness.
4-Kusa (24-32 years of age).
In the kusa grade, the previously elected leaders are formally installed in office, although they don't yet assume full authority except in their own group.This is one of the most important events in the life of the individuals and the Gadaa system over all.
5-Raba Dori (32-40 years of age)
In the raba dori grade, members are allowed to marry.This and the kusa grade constitute a period of preparation or the assumption of full authority.
6-Gadaa (40-48 years of age)
Luba or Gadaa grade is the most important class of the whole system, attain full status, and take up their position as the rulling Gadaa class.At this stage, the system come to a stop momentarily and all Men move to the proceeding class of youth who thus begin their ascent of the system's ladder.
7-YubaI(48-56 years of age)
The former rulling class, the Luba, now becomes Yuba.The Yubas, after passing through three separate eight years periods, are transfered to Gedemoji class.Then They enter the final grade called Jarsa and retire completely.
8-Yuba II (56-64 years of age)
9-Yuba III (64-72 years of age)
10-Gedemoji (72-80)
11-Jarsa(80 and above).
Mr Yasin Imamu Muhammed from FIRANSIBEKAN AMERICAN ENGLISH ACADEMY.