Voting occurred in Ethiopia on Monday for parliamentary and regional elections, which are likely to favor Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ruling Prosperity Party, even amid significant unrest in various regions. Over 50 million people were registered to vote, but elections were not held in Tigray due to unfavorable conditions following a two-year civil war and ongoing political instability.
Abiy, who has emphasized the government’s economic achievements during the campaign, expressed optimism about Ethiopia’s future after casting his ballot in Oromiya. He stated that the Ethiopian people are capable of building their state and establishing a democracy without external advice. The African Union Election Observation Mission reported that voting was progressing smoothly, although about 143 polling stations did not open due to security issues. Voting was also interrupted in some parts of Amhara and Oromiya due to security problems.
Abiy became prime minister in 2018 after mass protests against the previous government. His Prosperity Party previously won a substantial majority in the 2021 elections. Although the government claims strong economic growth and improved food security, Abiy faces challenges from ongoing insurgencies linked to ethnic grievances in Oromiya and Amhara. In Oromiya, clashes with the Oromo Liberation Army have resulted in many deaths, while in Amhara, the Fano militia has taken control of rural areas.
Despite the weak opposition facing his party, which is struggling with internal conflicts, results of the elections are expected by June 11. Opposition parties claim the government has suppressed them through arrests and legal barriers, allegations that the government denies. Since Abiy’s 2018 election, he has attempted to liberalize the economy and promote freedoms, winning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for peace efforts with Eritrea. However, critics argue that his government has regressed, citing human rights abuses and military campaigns. Tensions with Eritrea have also resurfaced over issues of sea access, which Abiy claims to approach through dialogue.
With information from Reuters
