Ethiopia Begins Voting in Election Expected to Favor Ruling Party

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Polls opened Monday across Ethiopia in an election widely expected to be won by the ruling party.

A heavy military presence was observed in Addis Ababa as observers called for a peaceful vote in Africa’s second‑most‑populous nation, which also hosts the African Union headquarters.

Long queues formed before the 6 a.m. opening, with voters eager to cast their ballots.

Ethiopians are choosing more than 500 members of the House of Representatives, who will later elect the prime minister.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party is projected to secure a majority, positioning Ahmed for another term.

Approximately 50 million people—out of an estimated 130 million—are registered to vote, alongside local government council members. Results are expected later on Monday.

Opposition parties have warned that political space is shrinking, alleging restrictions on campaigning and concerns over human‑rights abuses targeting critics and journalists.

Human‑rights defender Noah Yesuf called the election “illegitimate from the beginning.”

“The fairness of an election is judged by whether there is a level playing field for the opposition and a conducive environment for citizens to freely participate,” he told the Associated Press.

Voter apathy is evident, with many citizens feeling let down by politicians.

Senait Dereje, a 37‑year‑old shopkeeper, believes her vote still matters.

“I have registered to vote. I am not sure if my vote will bring the change I want or improve my livelihood,” Dereje said. “Many friends refuse to vote because they have given up on politicians, but I see this as a referendum on the government’s mixed record.”

This year’s election emphasizes national reconciliation after conflicts in Tigray, Oromia and Amhara, alongside a development agenda featuring major government projects.

Source link