On Monday, Ethiopia will conduct parliamentary and regional elections, with expectations that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party will achieve a significant victory. This comes despite ongoing unrest in various regions of the country.
Over 50 million Ethiopians are registered to vote, although the northern Tigray region will not participate due to continued political instability following a civil war that lasted from 2020 to 2022. Abiy, who became Prime Minister in 2018 after protests against the former ruling coalition, aims to solidify his political influence. His party previously secured 410 out of 484 parliamentary seats in the 2021 elections.
The Prosperity Party has campaigned on Ethiopia’s economic progress, highlighting improvements in food security and projecting economic growth exceeding 10% in 2026, one of the highest rates in Africa. However, nearly half of Ethiopia’s 135 million citizens are under 18, presenting unique challenges for the nation’s future.
Challenges in Oromiya and Amhara
Despite the anticipated electoral success, Abiy’s government faces significant challenges in Oromiya and Amhara, Ethiopia’s largest regions. In Oromiya, conflict between government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army has resulted in numerous casualties. Meanwhile, in Amhara, the Fano militia has taken control of large rural areas since 2023, preventing voting in several constituencies.
Although a peace agreement ended the Tigray civil war in 2022, recent moves by the region’s main political party to regain control have raised concerns about potential renewed conflict. The Prosperity Party is expected to face limited opposition due to internal divisions among rival parties, with results anticipated by June 11.
Political Landscape and Human Rights Concerns
Opposition parties accuse the federal government of undermining their efforts through arrests and legal barriers, allegations the government denies. Abiy, who initially liberalized Ethiopia’s economy and released political prisoners upon taking office, has faced criticism for reversing these reforms. His administration is accused of detaining journalists and suppressing civil society, though the government claims these actions are necessary for national security.
Relations with Eritrea have soured despite Abiy’s 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for ending hostilities with the neighboring country. His statements about Ethiopia’s need for sea access have been perceived as threats by Eritrea, which gained independence from Ethiopia in 1993. Nevertheless, Abiy insists on pursuing sea access through diplomatic means.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
