The Imperial Parliament of Ethiopia () was the bicameral legislature of the Ethiopian Empire from 1931 to 1974. It consisted of the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies, and the upper house, Senate. The legislature was established in the 1931 Constitution, all members appointed, primarily by the Emperor of Ethiopia. The 1955 Constitution introduced elections to the lower chamber. The Ethiopian Parliament Building was the meeting place of the imperial parliament. The last elections took place in 1973. The legislature was abolished by Derg.

Senate

The Senate, Yaheg Mawos sena Meker-beth, was established in 1931. Initially, its members were appointed, and they came from the nobility, the aristocracy, cabinet ministers, and civil servants. The chamber was reformed in the 1955 constitution so that the members were appointed by aristocrats. In 1974, there were 125 members in the chamber.

Imperial Parliament of Ethiopia

Senate Presidents

Negash Bezabeh, 1942-1943

Blattengeta Lorenzo Taezaz, 1943-1944

Tsahafe Taezaz Wolde Maskal, ?-1945

Mangasha Jambare, 1945-1946

Ras Bidwoded Makonnen Endelkachew, 1957-1961

Ras Asrate Kassa, 1961-1964

Lt-Gen. Abey Abeba, 1964-1974

Chamber of Deputies

The Chamber of Deputies, Yaheg Mamria Meker-beth, was established in 1931. Initially, the members were chosen by the Emperor of Ethiopia, the nobility and the aristocrats. The chamber was reformed by the 1955 constitution, and members were to be elected. In 1974, there were 250 members in the chamber.

Imperial Parliament of Ethiopia

Presidents of the Chamber of Deputies

Blattengeta Belatcho Yadete, ?-1945-? Grazmatch Gebre Kristos Wolde Michael, ?-1953-? Lij Haile Mariam Kebede, 1955-1958-? Girma Wolde-Giorgis, 1961-1965 Fitawrari Bayissa Jemmo, ?-1966-1967 Ato Tadesse Taye, 1967-1969-? Ato Seife Taddese, 1970-1974 Ato Abebe Wendimeneh, 1974

Imperial Parliament of Ethiopia

See also

List of legislatures by country

References

1931 establishments in Ethiopia

1974 disestablishments in Ethiopia

Defunct bicameral legislatures

Defunct national legislatures

Ethiopian Empire