Ethiopians head to the polls on Monday in a general election to elect members of parliament, who will subsequently select the next prime minister.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) reported that 47 political parties and more than 10,900 candidates are contesting. This includes 2,198 candidates for the federal parliament, 8,736 for regional and city councils, and 73 independents.
Over 50 million voters are registered, with women comprising about half of the electorate. The median age in Ethiopia is approximately 19 years, according to UN estimates, giving young people a significant presence among voters.
The election will determine the composition of the federal government. Elected MPs will select the prime minister, who then forms the government. The results will affect the distribution of power between federal and regional authorities under Ethiopia's 1995 constitution.
Main political parties and coalitions
- Prosperity Party (PP): The ruling party led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, formed in 2019 from a merger of regional parties. It emphasizes national unity, economic reform, and state-led development.
- National Movement of Amhara (NAMA): A regional party operating mainly in the Amhara region, led by Belete Molla, focusing on representation and rights of the Amhara population.
- Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA): A national party led by Berhanu Nega, promoting liberal democracy, rule of law, and market-oriented reforms.
- Peace for Ethiopia coalition: An alliance of smaller regional parties including the Agew National Council, Gamo Democratic Party, Gambella Peoples’ Freedom Movement, Kaffa Green Party, and Tigray Democratic Cooperation.
- Regional and ethnic-based parties: Parties contesting in regions such as Oromia, Somali, Tigray, and southern regions, focusing on local governance and autonomy.
- Independent candidates: 73 registered independents, typically focusing on local issues.
Electoral procedures
NEBE oversees voting and candidate registration. Polling is taking place in constituencies across all federal member states, in both urban and rural areas. Voting is conducted under universal adult suffrage for citizens aged 18 and above.
The allocation of seats in the House of Peoples’ Representatives will determine legislative authority at the federal level.
Voter demographics
- More than 50 million registered voters.
- Women account for about half of registered voters.
- The median age of about 19 years indicates a large youth electorate.
- Female candidates are contesting at both federal and regional levels.