Ethiopia Heads to the Polls as Conflict Overshadows Election

Election Day Arrives Amid Widespread Conflict

Ethiopia's general election takes place on Monday as conflict rages in parts of the country, meaning many people will not be able to vote.

Tigray Region Fully Excluded from Poll

The whole northern region of Tigray, which has been trying to recover from a brutal civil war that ended in 2022, has been totally excluded from the poll.

Seventh Election Since 1991 Regime Change

It is the seventh election since the downfall of the military regime in 1991.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Rise to Power

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, 49, came to power in 2018 following widespread anti-government protests. Under Abiy's watch the government went to war in 2020 with Tigray's leaders in a two-year conflict estimated by the African Union's mediator to have killed some 600,000 people.

Parliamentary Seats at Stake

Voters elect representatives to the 547-member parliament.

Criticisms and Economic Outlook

Critics accuse his government of suppressing dissent, forcing opponents into exile and arresting political rivals. The country's GDP per capita is projected to reach $1,133 in 2026, compared to $641 in 2016.