Ethiopia is expected to hold its sixth general elections in the coming weeks despite recently postponing the 5 June vote. The polls will be the first test for the ruling Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and the outcome will have a significant bearing on the long-term trajectory of Ethiopia’s transition.
The federal government is committed to holding timely national elections. However the environment required to hold credible polls is hindered by the ongoing conflict in Tigray, with the broader security situation also precarious in Oromia and a number of other regions.
While 36 million people have registered to vote, electoral preparations have been delayed in several places, with the National Electoral Board adjusting expectations of roll out due to the challenges faced. In addition, while most registered parties have fielded candidates, several major opposition parties have announced a boycott or suspension of their electoral activities, leading to questions over the inclusivity of the polls.
This webinar is part of a series of events and outputs on Ethiopia’s political transition.
This event will also be broadcast live on the Chatham House Africa Programme’s Facebook page.
Participants
Dr Awol Allo, Senior Lecturer in Law, University of Keele
Meaza Gidey, International Relations Researcher and Activist
Dr Adem Kassie Abebe, Programme Officer, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance
Juweria Ali, Doctoral Researcher, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Westminster
Chair: Ahmed Soliman, Research Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House
