Ethiopia Holds Election Amid Security Concerns, Political Strain
According to local media reports, polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time (0300 GMT), with long lines forming in the capital, Addis Ababa, as citizens voted for members of parliament and local councils.
More than 50 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the election, which will determine the composition of the 547-seat national parliament. Once formed, lawmakers will be responsible for selecting the prime minister and establishing the next government for a five-year term.
A significant security presence was reported across Addis Ababa, while election observers urged a peaceful process in the country, which is Africa’s second most populous.
As stated by reports, Abiy’s Prosperity Party is widely expected to secure a parliamentary majority, potentially extending his leadership into another term.
However, opposition groups have raised concerns about a narrowing political environment, alleging restrictions on campaigning and limited access to voters.
Voting is not being conducted in the northern Tigray region, which has a population of around six million people, as it continues to recover from a two-year conflict that ended in 2022.
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