Ballot box in Horn of Africa: For whom and under what conditions? (opens original article in a new tab)

Ethiopia's June 1 general elections faced significant challenges including suspended voting in conflict zones, opposition suppression, and regional tensions, raising questions about the election's legitimacy and Ethiopia's political stability.

• Ethiopia held general elections on June 1 with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party expected to win landslide victory
• Electoral Board suspended or cancelled voting in dozens of constituencies, including Tigray where no elections were held due to ongoing conflict
• Opposition parties are fragmented and face restrictions on media and freedom of expression, leading to unchallenged dominance of Prosperity Party
• Pretoria Agreement collapse and regional tensions over Red Sea access and Nile waters