Ethiopia's Ruling Party Wins Overwhelming Majority in Parliament

Ethiopia's ruling Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, has secured a decisive victory in the recent legislative elections, claiming 438 of the 486 available seats in the House of Peoples' Representatives. This outcome, announced by the National Elections Board (NEBE), gives the party approximately 90% of the contested seats and is widely expected to extend Ahmed's tenure, as the legislature elects the prime minister.

The elections proceeded despite voting being suspended in several key regions, including parts of Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia. These areas have been affected by various ethnic nationalist insurgencies and armed conflicts, including the 2020-2022 conflict in Tigray and ongoing clashes involving Amhara nationalist militias and Oromo Liberation Army rebels.

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The party's victory accounts for roughly 90 percent of the contested seats.

While the Prosperity Party ran against over 40 other parties, many faced funding challenges, and the ruling party was unopposed in 64 constituencies. Analysts suggest the suspension of voting in conflict-affected areas highlights the persistent challenges to peace and security in the nation. "I hope they use the coming five years to really bring what the majority of the country really needs and deserves, which is peace and security," analyst Bizuneh Yimenu previously stated.

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I hope they use the coming five years to really bring what the majority of the country really needs and deserves, which is peace and security.