Africa’s second-most populous country went to the polls on Monday but an opposition boycott, a months-long war in the northern region of Tigray, ethnic violence elsewhere and logistical challenges overshadowed the vote in some regions. Abiy’s newly formed Prosperity Party (PP) is seen as the frontrunner in a crowded field of candidates, mostly from smaller, ethnically-based parties. The vote was seen as a crucial test for the prime minister, whose rise to power in 2018 initially seemed to signal a break with decades of authoritarian rule, but who has since waged war in the Tigray region and whose party has been accused of election abuses. More than 37 million of Ethiopia’s 109 million people were registered to vote, choosing from 46 parties and more than 9,000 candidates – a record, according to the electoral board. But some prominent opposition parties, notably in the country’s most populous region, Oromia, boycotted the election citing intimidation and imprisonment of some of their leaders and supporters.
SOURCE: AL JAZEERA
More Stories
Accelerating and Scaling Priority Infrastructure Development in Africa
Case Studies: Strategising for a New Era of African Trade
Africa’s Largest Lithium Producer is Keen to Take Advantage of a Rapidly Growing Global Demand
The Pro-business Stance of President Hassan is Credited with Regaining Investor Confidence
Five of Africa’s Biggest Economies Poised to Hike Rates
Kinshasa Says Kigali is Plundering its Resources
The Economic Effects of Climate Change on Farmers in Ghana
BP Quits Aviation Services in South Africa
Nigerian Entrepreneur Finds an Alternative for the Country’s Energy Crisis
Top 10 Happiest Countries in Africa
The Latest Sign of Progress in Ethiopia’s Peace Deal
Traditional Gender Norms are the Main Barrier to Ghanaian Women Pursuing Academic Careers