ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Horn post) Millions of Ethiopians headed to polling stations on Monday as the country launched its long-awaited 7th General Election to choose members of the federal parliament and local government representatives, in a vote widely expected to strengthen the ruling Prosperity Party
More than 54 million voters registered for the election, making it the largest voter turnout in Ethiopia’s electoral history, according to election officials.
Voting began across several regions of the country, including the capital, Addis Ababa, where long queues were reported at polling stations early in the day. Security was significantly reinforced, with security forces deployed around key areas and voting centers.
The election will determine members of Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives, whose lawmakers will later elect the country’s prime minister under Ethiopia’s parliamentary system.
Abiy Ahmed Casts Vote in Oromia
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed cast his ballot in his hometown of Beshasha in the Jimma Zone of the Oromia region.
The vote is being closely watched across the Horn of Africa and internationally due to Ethiopia’s geopolitical importance as Africa’s second most populous country and host of the headquarters of the African Union.
International Observers Monitoring Election
International and regional observer missions from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are monitoring the election process alongside Ethiopian electoral authorities.
Officials reported that voting was proceeding smoothly in several parts of the country, with observers closely following polling operations.
Excluded Tigray from Voting
The northern Tigray region is not participating in the election due to political and security issues stemming from the previous conflict in the region.
The absence of Tigray from the electoral process remains one of the most significant political developments surrounding the vote.
Somali Regional State Participation
Meanwhile, President of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, Mustafe Mohamed Omar cast his vote in Dhagaxbuur, where he is contesting for the local city administration.
Residents in the city lined up in large numbers at polling stations, including the Mahmoud Ali Secondary School voting center, to participate in what authorities described as a major democratic exercise.
The election outcome is expected to shape Ethiopia’s political direction amid ongoing economic reforms, regional security challenges, and efforts to maintain national stability in the Horn of Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
