Ethiopia's election: parties, coalitions and candidates explained
Ethiopian voters headed to the polls in an election contested by parties and coalitions, with more than 50 million registered voters and significant shares of youth and women. The ballot will shape the consensus-building between the federal government and regional parties after the Tigray ceasefire.
Al JazeeraAccording to Al Jazeera, Ethiopia's general election is being held under the leadership of incumbent Prosperity Party Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with regional parties including the Oromo Federalist Congress, the Amhara National Movement and the Tigray People's Liberation Front fielding separate lists. About 60% of the 50 million registered voters are in the under-35 cohort or are women.
Addis Ababa University political scientist Hilina Berhanu assessed that the election lines will set the framework for consensus between the federal government and the Tigray, Amhara and Oromia regional administrations. African Union observation mission spokesperson Wasil Ali Musa and European Union representative Inga Pisani said vote counting will start in stages and regional polling-station security has been prioritised.
Security reports from Somali border zones and Air Force Command patrol intensity along the Asmara border added sensitivity for voting day. CARICOM and the East African Community said they will support post-election dialogue initiatives. Results are expected to be announced in stages in the coming days. This piece is not political advice.
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