Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party (PP) secured a landslide victory in the June 1 legislative elections, winning nearly 90 percent of the seats, according to results announced by the National Elections Board (NEBE) on Sunday. The PP captured 438 of the 486 seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives, based on an AFP tally after NEBE Chairperson Melatwork Hailu released the results. The results account for roughly 90 percent of the contested seats.
Election Details and Voter Turnout
Elections were held in 501 of the 547 constituencies nationwide, with approximately 40 million people voting out of 54 million registered voters, NEBE reported. However, 143 polling stations did not open on election day due to security concerns, and voting was interrupted in several locations in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The commission did not provide further details on the interruptions.
The Prosperity Party was considered the overwhelming favorite in the country of 130 million, facing a divided opposition that did not field candidates in many constituencies. While more than 40 parties ran against the PP, most lacked financial backing, and the PP was unopposed in 64 constituencies. The best-represented opposition party, Ezema, fielded only 293 candidates compared to the PP's 461.
Security Disruptions in Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray
Disruptions were significant in several regions. In northern Tigray, still recovering from a devastating 2020-22 conflict that claimed 600,000 lives, no voting took place. Growing tensions between local and federal authorities have raised fears of renewed conflict, with both sides deploying forces to the region's border and accusing each other of planning a new offensive.
In Amhara, the second most populous region, polls were not open in eight constituencies due to threats from Fano nationalist militias, which have been clashing with federal forces for over three years. The conflict monitoring NGO ACLED reported that on polling day, Fano engaged in at least 90 clashes with security forces across the region.
In Oromia, the most populous region, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) also disrupted polls, attacking Orthodox Christians in the Arsi district. At least 11 civilians were killed in assaults over several days, with witnesses speaking to AFP suggesting the death toll could be higher. ACLED reported eight armed clashes between the OLA and federal forces.
Criticism and Context
The African Union acknowledged that the polls took place in a challenging security environment, particularly in parts of Oromia, Amhara, and Tigray. Critics argue that Ethiopia has never held truly free and fair elections, with those in power always winning by a wide margin. Since coming to power in 2018, Abiy has been increasingly criticized for growing authoritarianism, a contrast to his early years when he won the Nobel Peace Prize for mending relations with neighboring Eritrea.
Abiy has overseen fast economic growth, largely due to a state-led construction boom and surging exports such as coffee. However, the World Bank notes that Ethiopia remains dependent on international aid, and 43 percent of the population lives in poverty. The next prime minister will be chosen by the newly elected House of Peoples' Representatives from among its members, with that vote expected between the end of September and October.
