Why Ethiopia’s elections mean different things to different sides

Electoral officials empty a ballot box at a polling station in Addis Ababa on June 21, 2021. New polls are set for June 1, 2026.

Photo credit: File | AFP

Ethiopia heads to the polls next week, with government officials presenting the vote as a marker of transition to genuine democracy. Critics, however, warn that restrictions on civil liberties and ongoing conflict undermine the credibility of the process.

On June 1, some 10,900 candidates will vie for 547 seats in the House of Representatives. Members will then determine the next government, based on the party with the majority.