Millions of voters in Ethiopia have begun casting ballots in parliamentary and regional elections, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s ruling Prosperity Party widely expected to secure another major victory.
More than 50 million people registered to vote in the election, which is taking place under heavy security amid ongoing unrest in several parts of the country.
However, voting is not being held in the northern Tigray region and parts of the Amhara region because of insecurity and continuing political instability following years of conflict.
The ruling Prosperity Party, led by Abiy Ahmed, is expected to dominate the election against a fragmented opposition weakened by internal divisions and allegations of government pressure.
Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018 after widespread anti-government protests and later won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 for helping end hostilities with neighboring Eritrea.
His government says it has improved economic growth, food security, and infrastructure development, with officials projecting strong economic expansion in 2026.
Critics, however, accuse the government of suppressing opposition groups, restricting media freedom, and overseeing military operations linked to serious human rights abuses in conflict-affected regions. The government denies systematic abuses and says security measures are necessary to protect national stability.
Key issues in the election include national reconciliation, security, economic development, and the future of Ethiopia’s federal political system amid continuing ethnic tensions and insurgencies in regions such as Oromia and Amhara.
Election observers from the African Union are monitoring the process, while official results are expected to be announced later this month.